Here are a few pictures of our Advent traditions.
We have been doing most of these things since the boys were very young. It is so neat to watch them become more and more aware of the beauty of Advent as they grow up.
We always start slow with the decorating. Of course on the First Sunday of Advent we set up the Advent wreath for the table.
I have started using scented Pillar Candles, because we can use them every night at dinner, and after Christmas there are still a couple left and I put them around the house as a reminder that the gentle joy of Advent is now the glorious joy of Christmas.We get out our Jesse Tree.
This isn't the traditional version. I made a felt evergreen tree when the boys were little and we made felt symbols for each of the days. I got a guide online and it has an image and a few verses from the Bible that lead us through Salvation History. It is so neat to see them getting more and more out of the whole story.
Each morning they take turns putting up the images and I read the passage from the bible. By the end of the season we have the whole story on the tree.
We also have this Advent calendar.
We got it from John's Godmother years ago and it is a favorite. The numbered doors have little compartments behind them and inside are wooden pieces with magnets attached. The picture is on a metal background and they can fill in the Nativity scene over the season.This year we have a new addition.
I originally got it for the little girls, but John put it together for me (hence the camel drinking from the Gold Goblet) 
and Paul has been having a great time moving the figures all over. 
He thinks as he plays though, and he has been coming to me for two days with interesting thoughts about what it must have been like in that barn.I will be pulling out a few more things each week.
Advent is supposed to be a quiet, reflective time. We are preparing, not celebrating yet. We spend time thinking and praying about ways that we can show our love and gratitude to God for His incredible gift to us at Christmas.
The King is coming....
Prepare ye the way.
