Advent in our household

Now that Little One is a little older, we've made a more conscience effort to install Advent traditions in our household. We had an Advent calendar last year, and have one again this year. We also have an Advent wreath this year. Little One enjoys blowing out the candles, and it helps us focus on eating dinner at a slower pace (a nice side benefit).

Our crèche is set up on the mantel, but with only the animals in the manager. Mary and Joseph are moving toward them, as is the shepherd. The three wise men are wandering around on the nearby bookcase. And baby Jesus is asleep in a bowl on the mantel (really, he would get lost if I tried to move Him around the house). Little One wanted to know when baby Jesus (sometimes called baby God) gets to come out of the bowl.

I wanted to do a Jesse Tree this year, but I've been so tired lately (ok, for awhile, but that is another story). I did purchase a small children's book on Jesse Tree stories, so we do read that most nights. Maybe next year I can put up a tree.

Speaking of trees, yes, we did put up and decorate our tree. I do like someone's idea (sorry, don't remember who it was) of decorating slowing through Advent.

St. Nicholas Day was celebrated with chocolate gold coins, a peppermint stick, and a St. Nicholas holy card, all found in a pair of boots by the door. Even though I reread the story of St. Nicholas to her and tried to explain that she'd get some small candy in her shoes, I'm not sure Little One really embraced it. Perhaps next year we'll change it up a bit and just exchange some small token (like chocolate - chocolate is good!).

And of course today is the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Little One and I went to Mass. Yes, she wanted to go with me, even though it wasn't a church day. :)