Christmas Advent

Today is December 1st, thus the countdown to Christmas begins! A few years back I accidentallly got all of my Christmas shopping done before December 1st and I found that having that done gave me less stress and more freedom to just sit back and enjoy the season. Since then, I've made it a point to get my shopping done early. It works for me! Also, as a child, the month of December seemed to be the longest month of the year for me. I have greatly been looking forward to having little ones of my own at this very special and festive time of the year. Establishing family rituals and traditions is something I feel strengthens families and bonds them more deeply together. That said, this year we are starting a tradition in our little family. It is a tradition inspired by 3 things or people: 1) I have done an advent candle for several years, which is a small time in the evening when I will burn a candle and read scriptures about Jesus Christ's life (a young women's leader gave me the idea years ago). There are so many wonderful secular activities to enjoy at this time of the year, but the advent candle helps me each day to remember the real reason for this special season. 2) My great friend (sister, really!) from Norway, Karoline, celebrated Christmas with out family a few years back and taught us about the importance of the advent and light in Norwegian culture. It is SO dark and SO cold there during this time of the year, they do everything they can to "light up" things inside, and to create a little something each day to look forward to. 3) Last year, I had a wonderful time following along as my friend Minna did the "Days Before Christmas" activities with her family and invited others to join in the fun. Thus, with these three things in mind, I have created our Christmas Advent. You are all invited to join in! If you live close by and want to join us downtown to hear the carolers or you want to come stroll through Candy Cane Lane with us - let us know, we'd love to have you! If you live far away, feel free to join in any of the ideas or activities we have - or create some of your own! I'll try to report back at least once a week on the experiences we enjoy as we count the days down to Christmas. I purchased the wonderful Advent calender above (oh-s0-much-better than anything I could've made, and it's wood so it'll last!). Each box, or each day, until Christmas will contain 1) a scripture to read in the evening by candlelight 2) the activity for the day, and 3) a little surprise (probably chocolate :). Here is our plan:

Day 1: (today!) Family Home Evening: Decorate Christmas Tree/Start Advent Candle
Scripture: Luke 8:41-56 (Jesus Christ was compassionate)

Day 2: Write Christmas Cards/Newsletter
Scripture: Luke 7:36-50 (Jesus Christ was forgiving)

Day 3: Bake goodies to share with others
Scripture: John 4:46-53 (Jesus Christ has the power to heal)

Day 4: Go to a Christmas Party! (We are going to our ward Christmas Dinner Party)
Scripture: John 2:13-17 (Jesus Christ was reverent; opposed evil)

Day 5: Go downtown to enjoy the Annual Figgy Pudding Caroling Contest
Scripture: Mark 4:35-41 (Jesus Christ has power over the elements)

Day 6: Listen to some live Christmas Music (We'll be going to the bonfire at the Seattle Center to listen to the Choirs Perform)
Scripture: Mark 10:13-16 (Jesus Christ loves little children)

Day 7: Watch or Listen to 1st Presidency Christmas Devotional
Scripture: Luke 10:38-42 (Jesus Christ made people happy)

Day 8: Family Home Evening: Read about the symbolism of Christmas favorites (ie the Candy Cane, Christmas Tree etc.) Find some symbols or traditions from other cultures/countries that are interesting (ie do people who live on islands build "snowmen" out of Sand? Hmm...) Find symbols related to Christ. For a treat, make some sugar cookies in the shapes of the symbols.
Scripture: Luke 22:41-45 (Jesus Christ sacrificed for others)

Day 9: Pick a name off the "giving tree" and shop for a child who is less fortunate than we are.
Scripture: John 13:3-17 (Jesus Christ was humble)

Day 10: Go see the Winterfest Train and Village at the Seattle Center.
Scripture: Luke 6:12-13 (Jesus Christ as prayerful)

Day 11: Have a hot chocolate party before bed.
Scripture: Luke 2:51-52 (Jesus Christ obeyed his parents)

Day 12: Go see the Christmas ship and choir at Carkeek Park (8pm at the Beach - they will also have a Bonfire going)
Scripture: Matthew 3:13-17 (Jesus Christ was obedient to God's law)

Day 13: Walk around Greenlake in the Path of Lights (bring food to donate to foodbank)
extra activity: Mint Design Holiday Dinner (Jacob's work)
Scripture: Matthew 5:2-16 (Jesus Christ gave wise counsel)

Day 14: Invite friends over to make Gingerbread Houses
Scripture: Luke 2:42-49 (Jesus Christ, even when 12, was a great Teacher)

Day 15: Family Home Evening: Invite friends over to watch Charlie Brown Christmas movie. Treats might include some egg nog or other seasonal favorites.
Scripture: Matthew 6:9-13 (Jesus Christ taught how to pray)

Day 16: Wrap and drop off our gifts to the Giving Tree
Scripture: Luke 8:5-16 (Jesus Christ taught wit stories)

Day 17: Read favorite Christmas Stories (The Gift of the Magi, The Polar Express, T'was the Night Before Christmas, etc.)
Scripture: Luke 15:4-7 (Jesus Christ helped sinners)

Day 18: Go see some Christmas lights (We'll start at U-Village where we'll introduce Sawyer to Santa for the first time, and then we'll go take a walk through Candy Cane Lane in the Ravenna neighborhood of Seattle...)
Scripture: Luke 10:29-36 (Jesus Christ was kind)

Day 19: Watch a classic Christmas Movie (White Christmas, anyone?)
Scripture: John 14:26-27 (Jesus Christ promised the Gift of the Holy Spirit)

Day 20: Take a ride on the Christmas Carousel and watch the fire dancers at the Winter Solstice Festival (@Seattle Center)
Scripture: Matthew 14:15-21 (Jesus Christ made miracles)

Day 21: Have a Twinkle Party. Turn off all lights except for Christmas lights and tree lights and enjoy looking at the lights and listening to favorite Christmas music.
Scripture: John 11:40-44 (Jesus Christ raised the dead)

Day 22: Family Home Evening: Watch Mr. Krueger's Christmas and take time to reflect about our Savior and our personal relationship with Him. Sing some favorite Christmas hymns together.
Scripture: Luke 1:26-33 (Jesus Christ is the son of God)

Day 23: Fly to Salt Lake City (we're spending Christmas in Utah this year with Jacob's family) and see the lights at Temple Square
Scripture: Luke 2:1-11 (Jesus Christ fulfilled prophecy)

Day 24: Live Nativity and Sing Christmas Carols with family
Scripture: Matthew 2:9-12, Luke 2:12-16 (Jesus Christ was worshipped)

Day 25: Merry, Merry Christmas to all!

*Note: None of these activities cost money except for buying gifts for the child we choose from the Giving Tree, and riding the Carousel, which is $1/per ride. If you have a bigger budget than we do or your kids are older and would appreciate some of these ideas, here are some alternate ideas: cultural plays/musicals/dance such as The Nutcracker, Handel's Messiah, The Black Nativity and other plays or musical traditions. Also, sledding, ice-skating, etc. )