Welcome back to another Catholic Women’s Blog Hop. I have created myself google calendar reminders for this blog hop and I still keep forgetting to participate and snoozing the reminders. #CalendarFail.
In my defence last month the topic was something I couldn’t write about. I digress. Here we are in November (where has the year gone). And we are getting ready for one of my favorite seasons of the year, Advent. My husband jokes that I love Advent and Lent because my favorite color is Purple.
This month we are talking about Advent Traditions. The hard part about Advent Traditions is everything you read on the interwebs about Advent aka PINTEREST are things to do with kids.
Which can be frustrating when you don’t have kids yet but you still want to come up with your own Advent Traditions that aren’t super cheesy. Because I will admit having done the cheesy kid activities anyway.
I’ve worked hard over the last few years to come up with fun advent traditions to do no matter what your stage in life is. Here is a top 5 list:
1) Make Jesse Tree Ornaments, put them on a tree, and follow along in the bible or a guide.
I participated in a Jesse Tree Gift Exchange a few years ago and still have and use the set. I have a separate mini tree to put the ornaments on. Most days I just put them on the tree but other days I read more about what that ornament represents.
2) Buy an Advent wreath, decorate it and light it each day.
Bonus: Say a prayer or read from an advent journal/pamphlet. (Most churches give out reflection guides but there are TONS online).
This is super easy to do. If you have a Michaels near you they sell advent wreaths and candles. You can personalize it with extra decor like holly, berries, purple/pink decor.
3) Purchase an Advent Journal to reflect each day during Advent.
I already have the Blessed is She Advent journal ready to go! I used it last year and really enjoyed it. If you don’t get to it each day don’t worry about it just pick up and keep going!
4) Get into the season by finding Christmassy things to do
I know as Catholics we try to keep Advent and Christmas separate but sometimes in this day and age it’s hard with how society works and if you want to go see a Christmas Show, A Ballet, or ride around town and look at Christmas lights you have to do it during Advent before Christmas.
This year I really want to go see the Nutcracker Ballet. So I’m going to be on the lookout for that. I’m also going to be going to a cookie exchange. As well as making sure we take many walks to our downtown area to look at all the Christmas Lights.
5) Do something extra Spiritually.
During Advent, I like to try and do something extra spiritually wise. If that means going to adoration or daily mass. Praying during my commute to/from work instead of listening to music. Staying an extra 5 minutes after mass to pray. Even the littlest thing spiritually can make a big difference in your faith life.
So there are 5 Advent Traditions anyone can do that are super simple. I hope they will help you have a more fruitful Advent.
Thanks for including #5! It’s so easy to get caught up in the excitement of the season and forget that Advent is actually penitential. I’m trying to add a little more to my prayer life to help me and get ready for Christmas.
Prayer journals and extra alone time with Jesus are a great way to prepare our hearts for the Lord’s coming.
Happy Advent!
This my first year in a while not working a Nutcracker, Christmas concert, or holiday show and it is GLORIOUS! I’ll be back to it next year (since it comes with the territory of being an actor and dancer) but it is so lovely not to have been mandatory singing Christmas songs since Halloween or drowning in tulle of Nutcracker costumes.
Let us know what Nutcracker version you see! There’s a huge variety out there.
Thank you for the experience.