seemesew 424 Posted October 30, 2020 Report Share Posted October 30, 2020 (edited) I would like to do a Christmas advent this year with books, recipes, and crafts (but not hard ones), preferably one that brings in Christ, and can be used for all ages. Do you know of one? ETA: I don't mind if it is missing some of my wants as I can add a bit if needed. Edited October 30, 2020 by seemesew 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
seemesew 424 Posted October 31, 2020 Author Report Share Posted October 31, 2020 Anyone? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
8filltheheart 35,730 Posted October 31, 2020 Report Share Posted October 31, 2020 Jesse tree ornaments? Christmas traditions around the world? 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tina 385 Posted October 31, 2020 Report Share Posted October 31, 2020 We read Jotham's Journey and the two following books by the author on various years. Takes the kids right there, and end night ends with suspense. Think they were reprinted recently. 3 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
carryYandale 0 Posted October 31, 2020 Report Share Posted October 31, 2020 19 hours ago, myblessings4 said: We like doing a Jesse Tree each year. Sound really good. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ScoutTN 24,648 Posted November 1, 2020 Report Share Posted November 1, 2020 A Jesse tree is fun! Cindy Rollins' Advent devotional, Hallelujah, uses Handel's Messiah and is lovely. Listening to a little of it each day is a great way to tune your heart for the season! I also like Nancy Guthrie's collection of short essays and sermon excerpts, Come Thou Long Expected Jesus. We always have an advent wreath made from fresh greens and use beeswax candles for advent candles. Smells nice! Many nice Christmas picture books are Christ centered. Song of the Stars and The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey are two of our favorites. 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Carol in Cal. 24,726 Posted November 1, 2020 Report Share Posted November 1, 2020 Start with the wreath, see how it goes. “The Very First Christmas” by Paul Maier is a gorgeous picture book that is simple enough for littles and engaging enough for older kids. This is a particularly beautiful set of Jesse Tree ornaments, and pretty much a lifetime use purchase: https://www.adcrucem.com/collections/christmas/products/ad-crucem-advent-jesse-tree-collection One thing I always did was spread Christmas presents through the 12 days of Christmas. Not every day, but spread out, with something shiny or lit for Epiphany, and a special celebration on New Year’s Eve, and Ableskivers with those Danish white and red woven paper heart baskets for New Year’s Day, and other presents over time. That way it wasn’t such a let down after Christmas. 3 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Ellie 34,398 Posted November 1, 2020 Report Share Posted November 1, 2020 On 10/30/2020 at 2:28 PM, seemesew said: I would like to do a Christmas advent this year with books, recipes, and crafts (but not hard ones), preferably one that brings in Christ, and can be used for all ages. Do you know of one? ETA: I don't mind if it is missing some of my wants as I can add a bit if needed. A friend does an Advent calendar differently: each day her children do a work of mercy, something for someone else (I'm sure she has specific things already chosen ahead of time). On Christmas Eve, they go shopping for diapers and baby clothes and whatnot, and take everything to a maternity home. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
LauraClark 97 Posted November 1, 2020 Report Share Posted November 1, 2020 We read a section of The Jesus Storybook Bible, place an ornament on our tree, and do some kind of activity. I found the PDF here helpful: https://www.google.com/amp/s/amummysmusings.wordpress.com/2015/11/13/redeem-the-tree-putting-christ-at-the-heart-of-all-you-do-this-christmas/amp/ 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
seemesew 424 Posted November 1, 2020 Author Report Share Posted November 1, 2020 thanks for all the suggestions! I'd never heard of a Jesse Tree but I found a Free one that seems pretty good! https://www.confessionsofahomeschooler.com/blog/2013/11/give-the-gift-of-literacy-giveaway.html Also I found this one Called Slow and Sacred that seems good as well (you have to search youtube for a flip through) https://jennifernaraki.com/slow-sacred-advent/ I'm also leaning towards Peaceful Press's Preschool Christmas unit https://www.thepeacefulpreschool.com/the-christmas-guide I've been trying to do my own but I'm getting to overwhelmed! There are so many things to look at! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
8filltheheart 35,730 Posted November 1, 2020 Report Share Posted November 1, 2020 @my4blessings That is the book I own. 🙂 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
goldenecho 715 Posted November 2, 2020 Report Share Posted November 2, 2020 How young are the ages? I love the book Treasures of the Snow for an advent book. It's 24 or 25 chapters, starts and ends at Christmas, and has such a wonderful Christian story of forgiveness and faith. It's something that really impacted me as a child and I loved reading it to my children. But I'm not sure if it's "all ages." I think the best age range is upper elementary to early middle school, but I'm sure my mom read it to me earlier, and I read it to my kids earlier than that. (Except my youngest, who had a low tolerance for reading things without pictures until about age 9). 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
dahmdr 11 Posted November 3, 2020 Report Share Posted November 3, 2020 I am trying this for Advent. Sonlight offers a free Advent activity: A Bible verse for each day and a recommended book. https://www.sonlight.com/homeschool/homeschool-101/sonlight-media/ebooks/advent/ 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
seemesew 424 Posted November 3, 2020 Author Report Share Posted November 3, 2020 On 11/1/2020 at 10:18 AM, myblessings4 said: We have done this one for years. Awesome thanks for the recommendation! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
seemesew 424 Posted November 3, 2020 Author Report Share Posted November 3, 2020 On 11/1/2020 at 5:51 PM, goldenecho said: How young are the ages? I love the book Treasures of the Snow for an advent book. It's 24 or 25 chapters, starts and ends at Christmas, and has such a wonderful Christian story of forgiveness and faith. It's something that really impacted me as a child and I loved reading it to my children. But I'm not sure if it's "all ages." I think the best age range is upper elementary to early middle school, but I'm sure my mom read it to me earlier, and I read it to my kids earlier than that. (Except my youngest, who had a low tolerance for reading things without pictures until about age 9). I have a wide range of 3-15 so just about anything and I'll adapt as needed. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
seemesew 424 Posted November 3, 2020 Author Report Share Posted November 3, 2020 21 hours ago, dahmdr said: I am trying this for Advent. Sonlight offers a free Advent activity: A Bible verse for each day and a recommended book. https://www.sonlight.com/homeschool/homeschool-101/sonlight-media/ebooks/advent/ That looks just about perfect! I love the simplicity! I think I'll try it, Thank you! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Hunter 31,349 Posted November 4, 2020 Report Share Posted November 4, 2020 I am looking too. I found this. https://www.focusonthefamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/final_advent_calendar.pdf Nativity Paper Dolls https://makingfriends.com/holiday-paper-doll-friends/ I am celebrating Advent alone this year for the first time since my divorce. Years ago, with my boys, I kind of just winged it: being together was the event. Alone, I need to create specific traditions for each Sunday. I think I want to add specific decorations each Sunday, and eat different specific foods on different Sundays, and make each Sunday a specific holiday. And repeat that year after year. I bought a gingerbread house and want to figure out which Sunday I want to put it together. I think I want to hang some lights and window stickers on an earlier Sunday before I put up the tree on a later Sunday. I think Christmas cards will be started on a specific Sunday. Even if an activity carries over to through the week or multiple weeks, I want to START all major activities on a Sunday, and link them to a specific Advent Sunday. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Hunter 31,349 Posted November 4, 2020 Report Share Posted November 4, 2020 On 11/2/2020 at 6:01 PM, dahmdr said: I am trying this for Advent. Sonlight offers a free Advent activity: A Bible verse for each day and a recommended book. https://www.sonlight.com/homeschool/homeschool-101/sonlight-media/ebooks/advent/ Nice!!! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Hunter 31,349 Posted November 4, 2020 Report Share Posted November 4, 2020 Assigning activities to Sundays: any ideas about that? https://www.mercyhome.org/blog/sunday-mass/advent-wreath/ Quote The candles also have their own special significance. The four candles represent the four weeks of Advent, and one candle is lit each Sunday. Three of the candles are purple because the color violet is a liturgical color that signifies a time of prayer, penance, and sacrifice. The first candle, which is purple, symbolizes hope. It is sometimes called the “Prophecy Candle” in remembrance of the prophets, especially Isaiah, who foretold the birth of Christ. It represents the expectation felt in anticipation of the coming Messiah. The second candle, also purple, represents faith. It is called the “Bethlehem Candle” as a reminder of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem. The third candle is pink and symbolizes joy. It is called the “Shepard’s Candle,” and is pink because rose is a liturgical color for joy. The third Sunday of Advent is Gaudete Sunday and is meant to remind us of the joy that the world experienced at the birth of Jesus, as well as the joy that the faithful have reached the midpoint of Advent. On the fourth week of Advent, we light the final purple candle to mark the final week of prayer and penance as we wait for the birth of our Savior. This final candle, the “Angel’s Candle,” symbolizes peace. It reminds us of the message of the angels: “Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men.” The white candle is placed in the middle of the wreath and lit on Christmas Eve. This candle is called the “Christ Candle” and represents the life of Christ. The color white is for purity—because Christ is our sinless, pure Savior. Free printable Activities Nativity Animals that will work with the above paper dolls https://stranamasterov.ru/img4/i2015/11/27/392617_vertep_shablon4-431x600.jpg Paperplate Angel https://i.pinimg.com/564x/f6/b5/79/f6b579c9c0d664cd9cc5f9bc5c1f231f.jpg Angel paper chains https://www.auntannie.com/Christmas/PaperAngels/ Cut snowflakes (counts as a "math lab") https://www.auntannie.com/Geometric/Snowflakes/ Make pop up cards https://www.auntannie.com/GreetingCards/Step_Popup/ 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
seemesew 424 Posted November 6, 2020 Author Report Share Posted November 6, 2020 On 11/4/2020 at 2:44 AM, Hunter said: I am looking too. I found this. https://www.focusonthefamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/final_advent_calendar.pdf Nativity Paper Dolls https://makingfriends.com/holiday-paper-doll-friends/ I am celebrating Advent alone this year for the first time since my divorce. Years ago, with my boys, I kind of just winged it: being together was the event. Alone, I need to create specific traditions for each Sunday. I think I want to add specific decorations each Sunday, and eat different specific foods on different Sundays, and make each Sunday a specific holiday. And repeat that year after year. I bought a gingerbread house and want to figure out which Sunday I want to put it together. I think I want to hang some lights and window stickers on an earlier Sunday before I put up the tree on a later Sunday. I think Christmas cards will be started on a specific Sunday. Even if an activity carries over to through the week or multiple weeks, I want to START all major activities on a Sunday, and link them to a specific Advent Sunday. Hunter! ❤️ I always enjoy your posts! I'm sorry you'll be alone! What a hard time but I'm glad you're making the most of the season for yourself. I love your ideas here with simple meaningful activities. I should just make my own since I'm never perfectly happy with what I find or buy, but I also don't know quite where to start since I've never done one. Your links are great and I am going to see where they take me 😉 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
seemesew 424 Posted November 6, 2020 Author Report Share Posted November 6, 2020 On 11/4/2020 at 2:44 AM, Hunter said: I am looking too. I found this. https://www.focusonthefamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/final_advent_calendar.pdf Nativity Paper Dolls https://makingfriends.com/holiday-paper-doll-friends/ I am celebrating Advent alone this year for the first time since my divorce. Years ago, with my boys, I kind of just winged it: being together was the event. Alone, I need to create specific traditions for each Sunday. I think I want to add specific decorations each Sunday, and eat different specific foods on different Sundays, and make each Sunday a specific holiday. And repeat that year after year. I bought a gingerbread house and want to figure out which Sunday I want to put it together. I think I want to hang some lights and window stickers on an earlier Sunday before I put up the tree on a later Sunday. I think Christmas cards will be started on a specific Sunday. Even if an activity carries over to through the week or multiple weeks, I want to START all major activities on a Sunday, and link them to a specific Advent Sunday. On 11/4/2020 at 2:44 AM, Hunter said: I am looking too. I found this. https://www.focusonthefamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/final_advent_calendar.pdf Ohh just looked at this one it looks nice too! Maybe I can combine it nicely with the sonlight one. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
seemesew 424 Posted November 6, 2020 Author Report Share Posted November 6, 2020 (edited) Duplicate Edited November 6, 2020 by seemesew Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Hunter 31,349 Posted November 10, 2020 Report Share Posted November 10, 2020 On 11/5/2020 at 4:04 PM, seemesew said: Hunter! ❤️ I always enjoy your posts! I'm sorry you'll be alone! What a hard time but I'm glad you're making the most of the season for yourself. I love your ideas here with simple meaningful activities. I should just make my own since I'm never perfectly happy with what I find or buy, but I also don't know quite where to start since I've never done one. Your links are great and I am going to see where they take me 😉 I'm not buying a wreath or special candles. I realized that a greeting card with a picture of a Nativity with a single tea light candle burning in front of it is enough. It is the scripture reading and activities and connection to people (present, far away, and in times past) that are enough. This year is a test-run for some of us. Packaged is a model to get us started and then we will have a year to think about it and integrate what we learned into all holidays throughout the year until we find our own natural rhythm. 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Aburge 1 Posted November 10, 2020 Report Share Posted November 10, 2020 We are using a Christmas advent fun schooling journal by The Thinking Tree and a Christmas unit study by Gather Round Homeschool. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Trilliumlady 90 Posted November 11, 2020 Report Share Posted November 11, 2020 I ordered this and it just came. I like that it’s a bit different! https://www.etsy.com/listing/748748785/jesse-tree?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=jesse+tree&ref=sr_gallery-1-3&organic_search_click=1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
seemesew 424 Posted November 17, 2020 Author Report Share Posted November 17, 2020 On 11/11/2020 at 9:59 AM, Trilliumlady said: I ordered this and it just came. I like that it’s a bit different! https://www.etsy.com/listing/748748785/jesse-tree?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=jesse+tree&ref=sr_gallery-1-3&organic_search_click=1 It must have been popular! Its all sold out now though. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
seemesew 424 Posted November 17, 2020 Author Report Share Posted November 17, 2020 On 11/10/2020 at 12:02 AM, Hunter said: I'm not buying a wreath or special candles. I realized that a greeting card with a picture of a Nativity with a single tea light candle burning in front of it is enough. It is the scripture reading and activities and connection to people (present, far away, and in times past) that are enough. This year is a test-run for some of us. Packaged is a model to get us started and then we will have a year to think about it and integrate what we learned into all holidays throughout the year until we find our own natural rhythm. Ahh, that is the truth ❤️ That is what I'm looking for when its all said and done too. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Hunter 31,349 Posted November 18, 2020 Report Share Posted November 18, 2020 We have all heard that "Less is more," but when it comes to the holidays, "Less is elegant." When we figure out how to do each thing a bit more minimally and old-fashioned and less garish, it just gets better and better. It takes longer to be elegant, but it costs less. Yes, "time is money", but maybe we can figure out how to incorporate the work into the traditions. 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Hunter 31,349 Posted November 21, 2020 Report Share Posted November 21, 2020 I think I am going to use a box of Whitman's Sampler as an "Advent Calendar". One chocolate a day. I love that the cover tells what is inside each chocolate. I have not seen a 24 oz box anywhere, yet. I think there are about 50 chocolates in that size, which is more than enough. I need to try some new stores. I will try a CVS. There is one about 2 miles from me that is not too far to walk, but not a store that use regularly. A Walgreens is closer. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
seemesew 424 Posted November 30, 2020 Author Report Share Posted November 30, 2020 On 11/20/2020 at 9:54 PM, Hunter said: I think I am going to use a box of Whitman's Sampler as an "Advent Calendar". One chocolate a day. I love that the cover tells what is inside each chocolate. I have not seen a 24 oz box anywhere, yet. I think there are about 50 chocolates in that size, which is more than enough. I need to try some new stores. I will try a CVS. There is one about 2 miles from me that is not too far to walk, but not a store that use regularly. A Walgreens is closer. That is a Brilliant idea!!! 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
staceyobu 1,211 Posted December 5, 2020 Report Share Posted December 5, 2020 On 10/30/2020 at 10:36 PM, Tina said: We read Jotham's Journey and the two following books by the author on various years. Takes the kids right there, and end night ends with suspense. Think they were reprinted recently. This will be our sixth advent of reading the Jotham's Journey books. They are high action and some parts are a bit scary. My youngest started listening in at age 2, but it's something to watch out for if you have highly sensitive kids. There are four books in the series. 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tina 385 Posted December 5, 2020 Report Share Posted December 5, 2020 37 minutes ago, staceyobu said: This will be our sixth advent of reading the Jotham's Journey books. They are high action and some parts are a bit scary. My youngest started listening in at age 2, but it's something to watch out for if you have highly sensitive kids. There are four books in the series. Have you read the Easter one? 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
staceyobu 1,211 Posted December 5, 2020 Report Share Posted December 5, 2020 18 hours ago, Tina said: Have you read the Easter one? We own it, and I always forget to start it in time! This will be the year! Have you read it? 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tina 385 Posted December 5, 2020 Report Share Posted December 5, 2020 3 minutes ago, staceyobu said: We own it, and I always forget to start it in time! This will be the year! Have you read it? Yes, we did all of them. Saving them for the grandsons now. 🙂 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.