When the children were younger I would make an advent calendar for them. Each day was filled with some kind of project, reading a portion of Scripture, or a fun activity for us to do as a family. I didn't do this every year, and for some reason as the children got older, the advent calendar stopped all together. I think I just got overwhelmed, too busy, and didn't always plan ahead and prioritize things I really wanted to do as a family at Christmas. I do have some regrets, but I also know that there have been many special memories that have been made during this season of celebrating the Savior's birth. JESUS has always been our focus and the reason for celebrating.This year, the advent calendar has made a place into our home again. My children are ages 17,12, and 11 and I know it's never too late to start something new. I just knew that I needed to be pretty creative in coming up with ideas to fill each day of the calendar. I didn't want this to be just a way to count down the days until Christmas, but to have an impact and be significant in the hearts of us as a family.
I began thinking about how at Christmas we are celebrating the gift God has given us through His son Jesus. What if, in our celebrating, we were to give a gift back to Him.
I don't want to reveal what is hidden behind each door because my daughter often reads my blog and I don't want to spoil the surprises. However, what I can share is that when those little doors are opened each day, there is a way of giving something back to God. I'll keep you posted!
I can't wait to find out what's behind those doors! Maybe each day you can post what was behind yesterday's door and we all can participate in the blessing. :-)
ReplyDeleteYou blog is so beautiful and peaceful, and I always look forward to visiting you with each new post.
PS: I bought 60 tiles and my stamps, sealer, etc. to do the coaster project you posted about earlier - and I can't wait to get started on them. Thanks again for that great idea! :-)
How fun! I love your Advent calendar!...what a beautiful post and outlook!
ReplyDelete-sandy toes
Very nice! I love the snow effect! Where did you get it?
ReplyDeleteI really love this! I just made an advent calendar for this year and was thinking mostly of treats to fill it, but I like the idea of making it more family oriented, and focusing on what the season is about! And it's NOT Santa! :)
ReplyDeleteCarrie
Christy I LOVE this idea!!! I agree with Jennifer, please come back to tell us after your children open them. Such a beautiful picture....
ReplyDeleteHOW did you get your blog to SNOW!!???
ReplyDeleteSo cute! I love yours. Those are hard to come by now days. :) Looking forward to the reveal. :) And I love your snow.
ReplyDelete..AMEI O CALENDARIO,TBM TENHO UM ASSIM ESTA NA MINHA SALA DE JANTAR,SUA FAMÍLIA É LINDA...FELICIDADES!!!
ReplyDeleteOh, it's snowing! Your advent calendar is fun! Can I open one of the drawers when I see you in a couple of weeks?
ReplyDeleteThe picture is so pretty!
Love this idea! I can't wait to see what you came up with.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea. Everybody's got these and I really want one. Guess I might have to get creative, huh?
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend.
I can't wait to find out what you do with this. As kids get older it is harder to think of things that they will participate in. Keep me posted as to what you do and what they think!
ReplyDeleteAlso love the snow on your blog!
I am going to do the tag this weekend when I am not so busy! Dusty is going to try to help me paste it to my blog.
Anyway, thanks for thinking of me.
Blessings,
Debbie
I think I'm going to love your blog...off to read the archives. And just have to say, too, that your daughter? Gor. Geous. (She gets it from here mama.) Happy weekend!
ReplyDeleteWe started celebrating the Advent season at home last year (as opposed to just Sunday mornings at church), and we loved it! It truly brings the meaning of Christmas, and why we celebrate it, to mind every day. I'm excited to hear more about y'all's "giving back!"
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful tradition! I too can't wait to see what's behind those doors!
ReplyDeleteThis truly is a wonderful time of year!
Just surfed to your blog via Simply Dandy. Your blog is delightful!
ReplyDeleteI love the Advent calendar tradition and look forward to your sharing of the daily activities!
I bet it's FABULOUS however you guys can give back behind those cute doors!
ReplyDeleteMerry December hun~ Les