It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like…

Christmas Advent.

Our tree is up, but it isn't your typical tree. (And the story of it even being here is fodder for another post and a HUGE blessing.)
We only have angels, stars, and bells on our tree. I like the twinkle of the lights and wasn't willing to give them up. The compromise is a tree with symbols.
I am thinking of trying this recipe with G to make some more ornaments. (Ornaments aren't easy to purchase here - go figure.)

(Perplexed? Stars and angels may make sense to you, but perhaps you wonder about the bells. Didn't you know "I Heard The Bells on Christmas Day" is central to the story? O.K. You are right. It is not, but we are ding-a-lings. We even met playing handbells, so that is the 'why'.)

When G is older we will start using a Jesse Tree as well.

Santa only gets one day, St. Nicholas Day, December 6th.
(More about that on the 6th.)

We light our Advent candle(s) each evening as we read a verse for the day.
I'm using these and these.

The nativity set is out. The cast is named and rearranged.
(Mostly huddled together in close community these days.)

We talk about waiting. Advent is a REALLY LONG TIME when you are 2.
Jesus' birthday will get here, but first there is lots and lots and lots and lots more waiting to be had.

The point to all of this? We are intentional about our Advent / Christmas / Epiphany observances. They are traditions we set in our first year of marriage. We wanted them to feel 'normal' even before there was a little one around. And they do.
These are our traditions and I am thrilled they have begun for this season.

(If I ended with the tune I began with bells show up again!)
"Soon the bells will start,
And the thing that will make them ring is the carol that you sing
Right within your heart."

But, if you really thought about that song it is mostly about consumerism. You probably won't be surprised to hear that 'stuff' is not big in our season. I love this video and since this is my 'link' post I will share it with you.