Simple & Meaningful Ways to Celebrate Advent as a Family (plus an old-fashioned ornament recipe)
By Kristen
We are not a family that has always observed Advent. It has only been in the last four years or so that we have put any emphasis on Advent. Before that, we only knew about the Advent calendars that counted the days till Christmas. However, since learning and practicing more of the liturgy of Advent it has become very precious to us. It has also been a sweet blessing that when moving churches a few years ago we landed in a congregation that observes and celebrates this season.
What is Advent?
The word advent means “coming” or “arrival”. The Advent season observes and celebrates the coming and birth of Jesus and anticipates the second coming of Christ.
Its purpose is to help the Lord’s people focus on the coming or birth of Christ and His return. It was and is a time of waiting, of anticipation, and the arrival of the long-awaited Messiah. We may be waiting in a different context than the believers thousands of years ago, but we are still waiting. We are waiting for all things to be made right under the Lordship of Christ and our Lord to bring the fullness of redemption to a weary world. This special season allows us to set our eyes upon Christ in anticipation of His return and return to the wonder and awe of His birth.
The first Sunday of Advent falls on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. Different themes are emphasized throughout the four weeks. The first week of Advent emphasizes hope, expectation, and prophecy of the coming Christ. The second week typically emphasizes peace. The third week is the joy and celebration of the birth of Christ. Finally, the fourth week focuses on the love of Christ.
One of the most common Advent traditions is the Advent wreath which consists of five candles (three purple, one pink, and one white) for the four Sundays, and a fifth candle for Christmas Eve. Each candle is lit on a Sunday during Advent. All being lit on Christmas Eve. Light one candle on the first Sunday, two on the second Sunday, three on the third Sunday, and so on. The pink candle is lit on the third Sunday and the white candle will be lit on Christmas Eve with all the candles.
A Little Thought
For the busy mom who wants to make this season perfect, it’s easy to stress over everything that can be done this time of year. As I write this and share different ways to observe this time or even ways we have observed, I am reminded of the most important part of it all… being present and beholding the Greater One. If we can give our families anything this season it’s ourselves and the presence of Jesus. Being present and slowing down to be aware of each heart and need in our home, the hearts and needs around us, and the heart of the Lord is so valuable. So, feel free to make new traditions, keep with the ones you have established, but most of all, be present and enjoy your family and those around you this season.
If you are starting Advent late, it’s ok! Start where you are and with what you have. Daily reading of the scriptures with a special touch of cookies or even hot chocolate is a perfect way to observe this time!
Simple Ways to Partake in Advent as a Family:
I love incorporating our Advent activities and readings into our homeschool days throughout December. I will include some of our book and scripture readings during our morning time, as well as our hymns and different winter/Christmas watercolors. We also love to gather the whole family in the evenings after dinner for devotionals, activities, and candle lighting. Below are some simple ways to observe and celebrate Advent as a family plus an old-fashioned homemade ornament recipe.
Make a Traditional Advent Wreath with Advent Candles – The traditional wreath consists of three purple candles, one pink candle, and a white candle. Put all of the candles around the outside of the wreath and the white one in the center. I do not follow this. I use a cheap wreath I bought years ago, decorate it, and use white candles. Be as creative or simple as you desire with your wreath. I love having our wreath as the centerpiece of our table throughout the season!
Daily Devotional Reading – Devotional Book – There are many Advent devotionals out there or you can stick with the daily scripture readings during this season.
Winter Watercolors For Your Children To Do While You Read Advent Books and Scriptures To Them – We are big fans of Brighter Day Press Watercolors!
Christmas Books – Advent Books – I have a picture below of just some of the ones we use through the four weeks. All Creation Waits is a new one for us this year.
Traditional Advent Calendar – Make an Advent Calendar or buy one to go through with your children. I love using these Advent Calendar cards (purchased from Brighter Day Press) that have scripture references for each day.
Nativity Set – These are fun for the children to have a visual of what actually took place. We use a very simple nativity scene, but you can also find big elaborate ones. We have used the nativity scene from The Christmas Star from Afar for the last few years. I will hide an Advent Calendar card every night with our star and the children use the wise men to find the hidden star each morning that will lead to the manger on Christmas morning. The child that finds the star will read the scripture(s) for that day. This is especially fun for the younger children.
Christmas Hymns – Learn and sing hymns together! Some of the Christmas songs we sing originally started as hymns. Some of our favorites are O Come, O Come Emmanuel, O Come All Ye Faithful, and O Holy Night.
New Ornament – Have each child create an ornament for an activity to remember your Advent season. Below you will find a recipe and instructions for Old Fashioned Homemade Cinnamon Ornaments to make with your children.
Christmas Cards – Have your children make Christmas cards for neighbors or family.
The Joy of Celebrating Advent & the Benefits for Your Home as You Observe Advent
Taking time to celebrate Advent as a family is a special way to help your family behold the Lord, casting our vision above the typical holiday hustle and bustle.
Advent is a perfect way to get the family to read scripture and meaningful books together—gather everyone in your living room or a special place in your home to cozy up together and feast on life-giving words.
No matter where you find yourself in this season of life, I pray that you will know the faithfulness of the Lord Jesus and find joy and peace by keeping your gaze upward. May we behold Him, learn to wait on Him, and discover our strength and joy in Him.
Blessings to you and your family this Advent and Christmas season!
