I always aim to make the holiday season less stressful and more enjoyable. To cut down on the holiday chaos, I’ve decided to focus on giving experiences rather than things whenever possible. I plan to give just a couple of high-quality gifts rather than lots of cheap ones that might break immediately. This approach shifts the emphasis from gifts to the true meaning of Christmas and spending time together as a family.
Let’s talk about Advent.
Advent is a four-week period before Christmas meant for Christians to reflect on the holiday’s meaning. Similar to Lent, it’s a time of preparation, celebrating the birth of Jesus and looking forward to Christ’s second coming. Many denominations, including Catholics, Lutherans, and Protestants, celebrate Advent. Advent calendars have even become popular with families who aren’t religious.
Although stores might suggest otherwise, the Christmas season actually starts on Christmas Day. Advent ends on Christmas, marking the beginning of the actual Christmas season and the “Twelve Days of Christmas,” which conclude on January 6th with the Feast of the Epiphany.
For us, Advent is a special time for reflection, preparation, and family bonding. We use Advent wreaths and candles to focus on the real meaning of Christmas. The anticipation builds as we wait eagerly for Christmas.
If you’re interested in learning more about Advent or starting to celebrate it at home, here are some of our family traditions.
Advent wreaths have been around for hundreds of years, possibly originating in pre-Christian Germany and later adapted by both Lutheran and Catholic traditions. A typical Advent wreath includes a greenery wreath with four candles (three purple and one rose). The first purple candle is lit on the first Sunday of Advent, with a new candle lit each following Sunday. The purple candles represent prayer, penance, and good works, while the rose candle, lit on the third Sunday (Gaudete Sunday), signifies rejoicing. Some newer traditions include a fifth “Christ candle” in the center, representing Jesus.
I decided to make our Advent wreath from scratch to save money and because I prefer beeswax candles. I also wanted a non-toxic, reusable wreath rather than one that sits in the attic all year. Years ago, I had a wreath stored in the attic, but the candles melted in the summer heat, making a huge mess! So, I created a wreath using items I already had at home, and it turned out great.
If your family enjoys crafting, you might also like making a DIY Christmas garland to decorate your home.
Advent calendars are a fun way to count down to Christmas, with many variations available. We prefer a handmade calendar that fosters a spirit of giving and kindness. Our wall calendar has small envelopes for each day, each containing a card with a good deed or act of kindness for the day. This keeps our focus on giving rather than receiving. I followed a DIY tutorial to make it and printed acts of kindness cards for each envelope.
In our family, the nativity scene (or creche) is a visual reminder of why we celebrate Christmas. It depicts the birth of Christ and includes figures of Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, shepherds, and animals. Some sets also have angels and wise men. We display several nativities at the start of Advent each year.
Instead of the Elf on the Shelf, we have a Christmas Angel. Any stuffed angel can serve as a prompt for children to think about acts of kindness. Ours leaves notes with encouragement to be kind, sometimes even leaving small treats or gifts.
Here are some great children’s books for Advent that the whole family will enjoy.
Advent comes with some unique traditions. One interesting one is the Krampus, a German tradition I wasn’t aware of until I heard the stories. Krampus is a half-man, half-goat figure known in Germany, Austria, Hungary, Slovenia, and the Czech Republic. He’s said to travel with Saint Nicholas, leaving coal for naughty children or scaring them into behaving. The night before Saint Nicholas’ Day is known as Krampusnacht, or Krampus Night, in some European countries. While not exactly a Christmas angel, the Krampus story has captivated my kids, adding to the suspense before we celebrate St. Nicholas’s Feast Day on December 6th.
Does your family celebrate Advent? What are some of your traditions?
