Here we are in the advent season. I feel like I just came shooshing in from Thanksgiving, and have arrived at the party under dressed and with a wimpy gift. After traveling most of the weekend, my house looks like a small refugee village. There are clothes everywhere, plus hats, mittens and coats. It is supposed to snow several inches in the next few days which makes me want to stock up on hot chocolate, Irish cream and candles and prepare to stay home until spring. All this distracts me from what I want to be preparing for, which is Christmas.
I want to be dusting off the advent calendar. I want to be figuring out which decorations to get out now, and which ones to save for later. I have not thought much about my gift list, which causes me to panic. So much to do in the next few weeks. I need to put my head between my knees, take several deep breaths and remind myself that it will not ALL get done. I need to pick the most important things and make them special.
I have a tendency of picking things that I really want to do, and making them a complete disaster. I want it to be really wonderful, but no one else gets as excited about it as I do. Maybe I need to step back and ask the minions what they want to do in preparation for Christmas. Last night when I rolled in from my cross state drive, they were decorating sugar cookies. We have eaten most of them by now, but they had a great time decorating them. Martha thought it was a bit strange, and preferred to watch t.v. but I think things will grow on her. What I want to focus on is the joy, and the miracle of the season. Our savior was born. A new life, that gave us all life for eternity. The stars sang. Wise men came from afar with gifts. The world was forever changed. I want to make that real to my family this advent season. I think I will let go of my expectations of what I think the season should look like, and watch my kids. I will ask them what they love about Christmas. I will be joyful in serving them, and our neighbors.
If any of you have any great family traditions that you like to do during advent I would love some ideas.
Life in a small town with a large family. Trying to put God on display.
2 comments:
Its so neat how you guys celebrate the Advent season. I grew up with Advent and haven't done it in years since I have been here. I need to start this season again with my family.
Advent Calendars are always a good idea, but make sure there's candy to go along. That will make the kids happy. :)
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