anticipation

Today marks the first Sunday in Advent, and begins a countdown to the celebration of Christmas. There's something about having little ones that makes the anticipation even greater for me. In our house this year, we have several family activities to commemorate this season.

The first is our Advent wreath, which we typically light for our meal on Sundays from now until Christmas day. Morgan has already connected our wreath at home with the one she saw on display at church.

All of the little preschoolers received a take-home project: a paper chain for each day of Advent with a discussion question or activity written on the inside for that day. Morgan has already cut and glued each strip, and was excited to remove the first one tonight.

I also intend to resurect my mom's hand-crafted Advent calendar, a felt banner with 24 pockets, each holding a piece to the Nativity. By Christmas day the scene will be complete with little Jesus in the manger. I know Morgan will enjoy this just as much as I did as a child.

And finally, I am most excited about a new tradition. With inspiration from my crafty cousin Katie, we are wrapping 24 Christmas books for the kids. Each night before bed, they can choose one from the stash to open and we will read it together as a family.

What fun we will have in this season of preparation!