Much of November and December is already filled with the important stuff: family and friends, play dates, travel, Thanksgiving, and birthday celebrations (Troy and Jesus)! With little time to spare, we got an early start on a few new Christmas traditions:
The Jesse Advent Tree
The ornaments were made with felt I had on hand--and in my oh-so-usual-gotta-have-this-project-done-tonight kind of way. While I was making the ornaments, Ella was sleeping, and Troy was outside looking for the perfect branch to use as our special tree.
The night before the first Sunday of Advent, we will place the appropriate ornament, scripture, prayer--and a piece of straw in the advent box.
Ella will love the routine of looking in the box every day, placing a new ornament on the tree, and collecting hay for the manger. Next, we'll read the scripture, talk about the meaning, say the prayer...and listen for Ella's big AMEN!
Example:
1st Sunday of Advent--God (creation)
Scripture: Genesis 1: 26-31 The Creation of the World
Ornament: The earth
Prayer: Thank You, Creator God, for making our wonderful world.
Each day the piece of straw will be taken and placed in a small manger. On Christmas day, baby Jesus will be comfortably "asleep on the hay."
Christmas Book Basket
Twenty-five books about Christmas and the birth of Jesus all wrapped and in a basket. Each night she will unwrap a book for bedtime. She already had a number of related books. I printed a few from www.ChristianPreschoolPrintables.com that complimented our Advent tree and wrapped two Christmas DVDs to make twenty-five.
Christmas Cuckoo Clock
Since E loves the "So Long, Farewell" scene in the Sound of Music, this clock will be a nice surprise. It's difficult to see from this picture, but a little elf comes out on the hour and sings a different Christmas carol.
Birthday Celebration for Jesus
On Christmas Eve, we'll bake a cake for Jesus in celebration of His special day. Sweet Ella has been practicing her Happy Birthday Jesus song;).
Oh what fun....
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