The weather has been sunless and cold and the neighbor’s Christmas lights are dazzling the neighborhood every night. I write this post for those souls who prefer not to skip straight from Halloween to Christmas and who would rather spend an entire season preparing and waiting for the Christmas season.
I find myself drawing further and further back from this blog. I’ve never intended this space to become a business (seriously, the planner happened quite accidentally) or a way for me to find myself amidst the drab daily duties of home life. In fact, I’ve never found home life drab, and would rather pass my days quietly with my loved ones than to chase a phantom of meaning wrapped in the cloak of false accomplishment. The forming of these little souls and the feeding of my Husband’s soul are what I am most to be about.
I’d rather squeeze in sloppy kisses, tight hugs, and hand holding with Husband than squeeze in a late night blogging. I’d rather live life than post about it on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. The beauty of being fully immersed in daily life is why I cling so tightly to that flip phone of mine (though apparently I don’t hold it tight enough for it is forever lost!).
There are things I’ve learned as I crossed off the days of this world that I want to share and that is ultimately how this blog was birthed. There is such a lack of wisdom and encouragement when it comes to living life and faith in our modern world. The quiet routine of home life is just where God wants use modern mothers as we remake the world one home and one family at a time.
And what is Advent, but a quiet routine that beckons and draws us closer to Him as it yearly repeats itself?
There isn’t much new for me to say on this subject, so I will refer you to past posts. Advent is a season that realizes its full beauty when the traditions, practices, and devotions have become familiar and nearly old hat. It becomes a comfortable place of memories and stillness that we can draw on in the year that is to come and for our children to recall when they are grown and gone.
The Feast of Saint Andrew (November 30th)
A real beginning to Advent as we take up the daily devotion of reciting the novena daily throughout Advent. Read more on celebrating this feast day and the novena here.
Advent in Our Catholic Home
Peek into our traditions and home as we prepare to welcome the King.
The Jesse Tree
I’ve always loved the Jesse Tree and its ability to teach salvation history to the littlest of listeners. It is a fabulous way to count down to Christmas.
December Feast Table
Celebrate the liturgical year with book lists and simple ideas. There are so many feast days throughout the Advent season!
Find the December Feast Table post here.
St. Nicholas Day
St. Lucia Day (December 13th)
One of the first Catholic feast days near and dear to my heart and probably still my favorite!
The Feast of St. Lucia in our home.
O Antiphons
An old tradition that brings a crescendo to the final days leading to Christmas. This year, I’m using my printables as guide for some felt embroidered O Antiphon ornaments. We will be adding them to our Jesse Tree.
All about O Antiphons and fun ways to make them a part of your Advent home.
Find my printable O Antiphons here.
An Advent Reading List
Take a peek in our bookbasket.
Preparing for Christmas
We must do some preparing for Christmas too!
100+ Ideas for No Toy Christmas
7 of our Family’s Favorite Toys (for those of you who like to buy toys!)
An easy way to celebrate the 12 Days of Christmas (no gifts!)
Our Advent Homeschool
I’m working on preparing some special Advent homeschool plans for our clan this year. Last year, Advent and Christmas was an especially tough time as we came to realize the truth of our Christian’s epilepsy and what it meant for his and our future. I’m hoping the Lord will allow us a quiet and peace-filled Advent this year.
I’m choosing some special feast days (Sts. Andrew, Nick, Lucia, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Immaculate Conception) on which we will revolve our homeschool curriculum around a book. My plans are quite simple and are hardly worth posting. Maybe I will post them as we accomplish them.
May you all find these links helpful and may you have a blessed Advent!
Thank you for this post Elizabeth! You have beautiful family traditions! Keep recording them as you are able for your family, even the simple ones.
A very blessed Advent season to you and your family!
God bless!
Thank you, Sharyn! What sweet encouragement! I feel silly trying to make a new post about our Advent. I love the timeless traditions!