Advent starts today. Even though we aren’t Catholic, we do like to focus on the true meaning of Christmas, and I feel like observing Advent will help us a lot this year.

We have the four advent candles (three purple, one pink) plus the white Christ candle (it smells like peppermint – yum!). I went to Hobby Lobby and bought the candles; the advent candles came in one package. I picked out a round mirror base and four cut glass taper holders. I arranged them on the table. Apparently an Advent wreath is supposed to have some greenery, but, oh well!

I found a list of stories from the Jesus Storybook Bible that goes along with Advent. There are twenty four stories leading up to the birth of Jesus. We will read them in order, one each night, beginning tonight. I found the list here. You can click on it and look at the stories, plus there are free printables. I also found a list on Pinterest of Scriptures to read each night when lighting the candles. It doesn’t have an original source; I repinned it from a friend. But you can check out my Advent Pinterest Board right here. I am not sure exactly how we will do this, but I am thinking we will read the Scripture and light the candle at dinner and read the Jesus Storybook section before bed.

Oh, and I got a chocolate advent calendar!!

While deciding what activities to do with Little Man each day of December, I scoured tons of websites. Ultimately, I chose the following activities to do during our Advent celebrations (these are in loose order):

Cut down our Christmas tree
Decorate the tree & set out the Nativity sets
Make a green and red paper countdown chain
Make & deliver treats for the children’s librarians
Felt nativity activity board
Read the story of St. Nicholas & set out our shoes
Visit from St. Nicholas and Veggie Tales St. Nick movie
Gingerbread House (found a great Wilton all-in-one kit at Michael’s!)
Snowman pancakes
Salt dough ornaments
Make ornaments for the Bible study child care crew
Jolly Days at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
Special snack mix for Bible study
Snowman pizzas
Drive around & look at Christmas lights
Christmas at the Zoo
Shop for the food pantry at church
Donate food and toys to the food/clothing ministry at church
Make jar gifts for relatives
Make pb/birdseed feeders from pine cones and hang them outside
Make ornaments
Celebrate with Grammy’s extended family
Celebrate with Mamma’s extended family
Celebrate with Papa’s extended family
Christmas services at church
Christmas Eve services at church
Christmas Eve box (new jammies, movie, snacks)

That is what I have; I am sure it will change and we may switch things out for different activities. If it snows, we will certainly add those types of things 🙂

What plans do you have for Advent?