For this year’s Advent Calendar, I let the girls have complete artistic control. We used scrap cardboard and toilet paper rolls which they turned into a mini Christmas village with trees, houses, shops, lamp posts and cars — so cute!
The very last, for the 25th day, is a little nativity scene. Then I was the one who came up with each day’s surprise or activity.
Kayo and I were away on a trip last week so we haven’t been able to open them up with them. Now we’re back and the kids are happy we get to do the activities together. Last night was movie night and we watched a classic — Charlie Brown Christmas! Today we’re out exploring and they’re on an outdoor scavenger’s hunt.
Like previous years, I made sure they don’t just get treats every day. They are also given opportunities to give, make and share. Lined up for the next days are art projects, Christmas stories, prayers, charitable activities as well as fun little games — all meant to get them excited about Christmas and understand a little bit better why we celebrate this season.
When we finished making the calendar, I looked at it and was reminded of just how busy this time of year usually gets — activities, parties, tasks all lined up ever so closely much like Manila traffic. And at the same time, it also made me realize that all this fuss won’t matter at all if they don’t lead us to Christ. It sounds cliche but to our family, it’s true. So in observing Advent and in doing all our little activities each day, I hope we keep the baby Jesus front and center in our hearts and minds and also become instruments of love, joy and peace to others around us.
I pray you and your families also have the most meaningful Christmas!
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