Advent 2012
grassette
Posts: 976 Member
What plans do you have in celebrating Advent in your Domestic Church (i.e. your home and family)?
Advent calendar? Wreath? Creche?
Advent calendar? Wreath? Creche?
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Replies
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We always keep an advent wreath on the kitchen table and light the appropriate candles during meals. We seem to have more family meals at the table during advent. We are a busy family always on the go so its so nice to come together! Sadly, I only have one child left at home but he still loves the kitchen advent wreath.0
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When the children were little, I had a special Advent story book that had stories and craft projects for each day in Advent. It made that time especially spiritual.
We would also have Mary and Joseph start on a trip with the donkey to Bethlehem. We would move them from room to room until finally they reached the creche. To prepare the creche, the children would add a straw with a good deed on it, until there was quite a soft pile to reach baby Jesus.
Then as they got older and involved with a choir, December would be a special time of choral concerts.
Now, they are just out of college. We have started attending traditional midnight Masses as a family in some of Montreal's historic churches, and having a Reveillon afterwards where we share a post-Mass meal in the wee hours.
Cooking is also an advent activity. We try to bake a big variety to give away over the 12 days of Christmas. Christmas lasts until the Epiphany at our house, with the tree coming down only in January.0 -
We always keep an advent wreath on the kitchen table and light the appropriate candles during meals. We seem to have more family meals at the table during advent. We are a busy family always on the go so its so nice to come together! Sadly, I only have one child left at home but he still loves the kitchen advent wreath.
What a lovely project for the month! I love the idea of a kitchen wreath!0 -
We too have an Advent Wreath on our breakfast table (where we eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
This will be an especially happy Advent for my family, as my husband of 27 years will be received into the Church on Sunday, December 16!0 -
We too have an Advent Wreath on our breakfast table (where we eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
This will be an especially happy Advent for my family, as my husband of 27 years will be received into the Church on Sunday, December 16!
Congratulations to your husband! That is so awesome! My husband of 30 years is Protestant. It would have been nice when my boys were little for him to share their faith with them. Don't get me wrong...he's a wonderful father and an awesome role model. Just that one thing was missing.0 -
We too have an Advent Wreath on our breakfast table (where we eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
This will be an especially happy Advent for my family, as my husband of 27 years will be received into the Church on Sunday, December 16!
Congratulations to your husband! That is so awesome! My husband of 30 years is Protestant. It would have been nice when my boys were little for him to share their faith with them. Don't get me wrong...he's a wonderful father and an awesome role model. Just that one thing was missing.
I agree. That is Good News.0 -
We have an advent wreath that we will light every night beginning the first Sunday of Advent. We also have an advent calendar that has little story books beginning with Mary and Joseph making the trip to Bethlehem and we finish it on Christmas morning with the birth of Jesus. We do all this right before dinner but we might have to change this year as my oldest daughter will be cheerleading for basketball season and will miss dinner with us a few times. I really love advent. It is such a great time to reflect on the gift of Jesus.0
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We also light our Advent Candles every night-- We EAT Dinner in the DARK. The kids love the season of candlelit dinners. They also each take turns lighting our candle,s which is a big deal.
I love this tradition because it the only time I get the kids into a quiet mindful state about the birth of Jesus. Anyone with children can appreciate the quiet moments of contemplation even with children in the room.
We also write down good deeds and put them in a jar at dinner. On Christmas Day I read them out loud. They have a competition to see who has shown the most thoughtfulness and kindness throughout Advent.
I personally, have committed to a Christian Meditation Class at Church. I have never done this but, I am so eager to give this a try. It will be so nice to meditate with Catholics in a sacred space. This is something I hope to do every Advent.
Nice Topic--Thanks for posting.0 -
We too have an Advent Wreath on our breakfast table (where we eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
This will be an especially happy Advent for my family, as my husband of 27 years will be received into the Church on Sunday, December 16!
How WONDERFUL! Congratulations to your husband. I am celebrating for him as well! I am so happy to hear of another person joining our church! Cheers!0 -
Orapronobis--how exciting for your family! I imagine the Christmas celebration will be especially sweet this year!
Several years ago, I bought a book "Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany in the Domestic Church", and it is full of ideas.
Our advent wreath sits on our dining room table, and we light the candle(s) and say the prayers at dinner.
Our creche is also in our dining room. (We homeschool in the dining room, so the majority of our activity is there!)
In the past, we've attempted to keep up with the Jesse tree readings, but we always seem to miss a few.
I think my kids' favorite tradition is the Advent Chain. We keep a basket with strips of construction paper, pens, and a roll of scotch tape out. Anytime one of us is "caught" making a sacrifice or doing a good work, it is written on a strip, and the strips are made into a chain. We wrap the chain around the Christmas tree on Christmas Eve. It's amazing how motivating this is at getting the kids to be nice to each other! :laugh:
And we also have a "tree lighting ceremony/blessing" when we decorate our tree. I think this came from a catechist workshop I attended years ago? If anyone is interested, here it is:
http://sonshineinourhearts.blogspot.com/2010/12/keeping-christ-in-christmasthe-blessing.html
This year, we are expecting a baby on Christmas. I don't know how much of this I'll be able to keep up with.
But we are going to start pulling it all out and getting it all ready this week. Along with pulling out and washing up all the newborn clothes and baby items... 0 -
When we discussed Advent during my last Sunday school class, one of the boys said, "Oh, no. Is this when we're supposed to give up something good"? Another kid replied, "No, that's Lent. This is when we light that circle of candles on the tables".0
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I'm a new Catholic. I don't know what's expected.
This thread might give me some ideas.
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Here you go, Pen:
Advent wreath: The Advent wreath, which has German origins, is probably the most recognized Advent custom. It is a wreath made of evergreens that is bound to a circle of wire. It symbolizes the many years from Adam to Christ in which the world awaited its Redeemer; it also represents the years that we have awaited His second and final coming. The wreath holds four equally spaced candles, the three purple ones lit on the “penitential” Sundays and a pink one for Gaudete, the joyful third Sunday in Advent. There are many available prayers and hymns found in the reading list that can accompany your personal Advent wreath ceremony.
The empty manger: Each child may have his own individual manger, or there may be one manger for the whole family. The idea is that when acts of service, sacrifice, or kindness are done in honor of Baby Jesus as a birthday present, the child receives a piece of straw to put into the manger. Then, on Christmas morning, “Baby Jesus” is placed in the manger. Encourage your children to make Jesus’ bed as “comfortable” as possible through their good deeds. In the process, explain Christ’s incomparable self-gift at Christmas and Easter that enables us to be part of God’s family.
The Jesse tree: The Jesse tree tells about Christ’s ancestry through symbols and relates Scripture to salvation history, progressing from creation to the birth of Christ. The tree can be made on a poster board with the symbols glued on, or on an actual tree. For further information read, Advent and Christmas in a Catholic Home.
St. Nicholas Day: The feast of St. Nicholas is on Dec. 6th. It is a highlight of the Advent season. Each child puts out a shoe the night before St. Nicholas Day in the hope that the kind bishop — with his miter, staff, and bag of gifts — will pay a visit. The current “Santa Claus” is modeled after St. Nicholas, but commercialism has tarnished the true story. Many families give gifts on both Dec. 6 and Christmas. Read about St. Nicholas in your favorite saints book.
The Christ candle: Any large white candle can be used for the Christ candle. The idea is to decorate it with symbols for Christ. Use old Christmas cards, sequins, holly, etc. The candle can be lit on Christmas Eve to show that the Light of the World has arrived. Then continue to light the Christ candle throughout the year at Sunday dinner to remind your family of our waiting for Christ, as well as celebrating His birth and Resurrection.
The Mary candle: Some families have the custom of decorating the Christ candle with a blue veil on December 8th, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. On this great feast, others place a candle with a blue ribbon before a statue or picture of the Blessed Virgin, whose “yes” to God enabled our Lord’s coming at Christmas. The candle is lit during meal times to serve as a delightful reminder of Mary’s eager expectation of the “Light of the World.” It can also serve as a reminder to each family member to keep their own light of grace burning as a preparation for Christ’s coming.
St. Lucy cakes: The feast of St. Lucy, virgin and martyr, is on December 13th. This marks the opening of the Christmas season in Sweden. Her life story can be found in most saints books, as can the recipe for the traditional cakes. The symbolism is rich and her life story worthwhile reading.
The Nativity scene: This is the event in which the entire family shares — setting up the Christmas manger. Mary and Joseph should be far off traveling and their approach to Bethlehem can be adjusted daily. Older children can make life-size Nativity models, carve them, cut them out from cardboard, or set up pre-made figurines. The creative ideas are without limit. Make sure to place the Nativity scene where many can admire the children’s efforts to give God glory.
Christmas baking: There are many recipe books available to find great traditional Christmas baking ideas. (See recommended reading below.) The baking usually starts around December 20th. As Christmas approaches, the house will smell of baking and fresh wreaths. The glory of Christmas is at hand! Move the manger to a focal point, add lights to the Nativity to be lighted on Christmas Eve, and anticipate together.0 -
Aw Patti! You're amazing! THANK YOU!0
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Here you go, Pen:
Advent wreath: The Advent wreath, which has German origins, is probably the most recognized Advent custom. It is a wreath made of evergreens that is bound to a circle of wire. It symbolizes the many years from Adam to Christ in which the world awaited its Redeemer; it also represents the years that we have awaited His second and final coming. The wreath holds four equally spaced candles, the three purple ones lit on the “penitential” Sundays and a pink one for Gaudete, the joyful third Sunday in Advent. There are many available prayers and hymns found in the reading list that can accompany your personal Advent wreath ceremony.
The empty manger: Each child may have his own individual manger, or there may be one manger for the whole family. The idea is that when acts of service, sacrifice, or kindness are done in honor of Baby Jesus as a birthday present, the child receives a piece of straw to put into the manger. Then, on Christmas morning, “Baby Jesus” is placed in the manger. Encourage your children to make Jesus’ bed as “comfortable” as possible through their good deeds. In the process, explain Christ’s incomparable self-gift at Christmas and Easter that enables us to be part of God’s family.
The Jesse tree: The Jesse tree tells about Christ’s ancestry through symbols and relates Scripture to salvation history, progressing from creation to the birth of Christ. The tree can be made on a poster board with the symbols glued on, or on an actual tree. For further information read, Advent and Christmas in a Catholic Home.
St. Nicholas Day: The feast of St. Nicholas is on Dec. 6th. It is a highlight of the Advent season. Each child puts out a shoe the night before St. Nicholas Day in the hope that the kind bishop — with his miter, staff, and bag of gifts — will pay a visit. The current “Santa Claus” is modeled after St. Nicholas, but commercialism has tarnished the true story. Many families give gifts on both Dec. 6 and Christmas. Read about St. Nicholas in your favorite saints book.
The Christ candle: Any large white candle can be used for the Christ candle. The idea is to decorate it with symbols for Christ. Use old Christmas cards, sequins, holly, etc. The candle can be lit on Christmas Eve to show that the Light of the World has arrived. Then continue to light the Christ candle throughout the year at Sunday dinner to remind your family of our waiting for Christ, as well as celebrating His birth and Resurrection.
The Mary candle: Some families have the custom of decorating the Christ candle with a blue veil on December 8th, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. On this great feast, others place a candle with a blue ribbon before a statue or picture of the Blessed Virgin, whose “yes” to God enabled our Lord’s coming at Christmas. The candle is lit during meal times to serve as a delightful reminder of Mary’s eager expectation of the “Light of the World.” It can also serve as a reminder to each family member to keep their own light of grace burning as a preparation for Christ’s coming.
St. Lucy cakes: The feast of St. Lucy, virgin and martyr, is on December 13th. This marks the opening of the Christmas season in Sweden. Her life story can be found in most saints books, as can the recipe for the traditional cakes. The symbolism is rich and her life story worthwhile reading.
The Nativity scene: This is the event in which the entire family shares — setting up the Christmas manger. Mary and Joseph should be far off traveling and their approach to Bethlehem can be adjusted daily. Older children can make life-size Nativity models, carve them, cut them out from cardboard, or set up pre-made figurines. The creative ideas are without limit. Make sure to place the Nativity scene where many can admire the children’s efforts to give God glory.
Christmas baking: There are many recipe books available to find great traditional Christmas baking ideas. (See recommended reading below.) The baking usually starts around December 20th. As Christmas approaches, the house will smell of baking and fresh wreaths. The glory of Christmas is at hand! Move the manger to a focal point, add lights to the Nativity to be lighted on Christmas Eve, and anticipate together.
Beautiful, Patti. That's quite a list.0 -
I'm a new Catholic. I don't know what's expected.
This thread might give me some ideas.
The main thing is spiritual preparation. Many people add a daily meditation during Advent, and parishes will often sell booklets that help you do this. The Jesuits will offer on-line meditations that you can do daily. see: www.sacredspace.ie
Then there is receiving the sacrament of Reconcilliation before Christmas, so that you can receive the Christ Child with a pure heart.
Some people will fast during Advent. This can be hard to do given the large number of Christmas parties taking place, but cutting the calorie intake outside of these events makes good sense heath-wise, and if you do it with a spiritual purpose, all the better.
Then there are the feasts of Christmas: December 8, The Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, Dec 24th: Chrismas Eve, Christmas Day, Dec 30: The feast of the Holy Family, Jan 1: Mary, the Holy Mother of God, and on January 6, the Epiphany of the Lord.
In addition to the Liturgical feasts, there is how we prepare at home, in our families, which John Paul II identified as the Domestic Church. These are all of the small gestures and ceremonies that we do with our children and families to deepen the presence of Jesus in these feasts. This is the pure joy of the season, and our focus on taking it away from the commercial aspects and bringing the focus to the God who loved us so much that He became one of us to redeem us. The special attention payed to Mary is to emphasize that Jesus is both God and man, and that Mary anchors his humanity, and, because Jesus had no human father, his divinity.0 -
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We too have an Advent Wreath on our breakfast table (where we eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
This will be an especially happy Advent for my family, as my husband of 27 years will be received into the Church on Sunday, December 16!
That is so totally WONDERFUL. Blessings to you both. My husband and I (20 yrs. Protestant) were both confirmed into the Church 4 years ago and so glad. I wonder if "cradle Catholics" know what this truly means to us. :happy:
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This is the BEST THread I've found on MFP! Great ideas, great feelings, great intentions! Thanks you friends!!!
We will surely be starting a wreath (with a beautiful newfound understanding... thanks Patti). And a chain! And some baking!
We already do a JESSE TREE, which I really love as our first 'family Christmas tradition' (I have a toddler and an infant in the house), where we trace the coming of Christ from Genesis to the gospels with daily reading and special ornaments. This one is especially beautiful!: http://www.aholyexperience.com/2010/11/free-jesse-tree-advent-devotional-book/
<<< exactly!!!!!!My husband and I (20 yrs. Protestant) were both confirmed into the Church 4 years ago and so glad. I wonder if "cradle Catholics" know what this truly means to us. :happy:
And, as newly converted catholics (1 1/2 years), we are totally enjoying incorporating the celebrations of our Saints and Holy Days too!
Thank you catholic friends for sharing!!! 0 -
quoted from perfectingpati post, (i dont know how to do the quoting thing)
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Here you go, Pen:
Advent wreath: The Advent wreath, which has German origins, is probably the most recognized Advent custom. It is a wreath made of evergreens that is bound to a circle of wire. It symbolizes the many years from Adam to Christ in which the world awaited its Redeemer; it also represents the years that we have awaited His second and final coming. The wreath holds four equally spaced candles, the three purple ones lit on the “penitential” Sundays and a pink one for Gaudete, the joyful third Sunday in Advent. There are many available prayers and hymns found in the reading list that can accompany your personal Advent wreath ceremony.
The empty manger: Each child may have his own individual manger, or there may be one manger for the whole family. The idea is that when acts of service, sacrifice, or kindness are done in honor of Baby Jesus as a birthday present, the child receives a piece of straw to put into the manger. Then, on Christmas morning, “Baby Jesus” is placed in the manger. Encourage your children to make Jesus’ bed as “comfortable” as possible through their good deeds. In the process, explain Christ’s incomparable self-gift at Christmas and Easter that enables us to be part of God’s family.
The Jesse tree: The Jesse tree tells about Christ’s ancestry through symbols and relates Scripture to salvation history, progressing from creation to the birth of Christ. The tree can be made on a poster board with the symbols glued on, or on an actual tree. For further information read, Advent and Christmas in a Catholic Home.
St. Nicholas Day: The feast of St. Nicholas is on Dec. 6th. It is a highlight of the Advent season. Each child puts out a shoe the night before St. Nicholas Day in the hope that the kind bishop — with his miter, staff, and bag of gifts — will pay a visit. The current “Santa Claus” is modeled after St. Nicholas, but commercialism has tarnished the true story. Many families give gifts on both Dec. 6 and Christmas. Read about St. Nicholas in your favorite saints book.
The Christ candle: Any large white candle can be used for the Christ candle. The idea is to decorate it with symbols for Christ. Use old Christmas cards, sequins, holly, etc. The candle can be lit on Christmas Eve to show that the Light of the World has arrived. Then continue to light the Christ candle throughout the year at Sunday dinner to remind your family of our waiting for Christ, as well as celebrating His birth and Resurrection.
The Mary candle: Some families have the custom of decorating the Christ candle with a blue veil on December 8th, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. On this great feast, others place a candle with a blue ribbon before a statue or picture of the Blessed Virgin, whose “yes” to God enabled our Lord’s coming at Christmas. The candle is lit during meal times to serve as a delightful reminder of Mary’s eager expectation of the “Light of the World.” It can also serve as a reminder to each family member to keep their own light of grace burning as a preparation for Christ’s coming.
St. Lucy cakes: The feast of St. Lucy, virgin and martyr, is on December 13th. This marks the opening of the Christmas season in Sweden. Her life story can be found in most saints books, as can the recipe for the traditional cakes. The symbolism is rich and her life story worthwhile reading.
The Nativity scene: This is the event in which the entire family shares — setting up the Christmas manger. Mary and Joseph should be far off traveling and their approach to Bethlehem can be adjusted daily. Older children can make life-size Nativity models, carve them, cut them out from cardboard, or set up pre-made figurines. The creative ideas are without limit. Make sure to place the Nativity scene where many can admire the children’s efforts to give God glory.
Christmas baking: There are many recipe books available to find great traditional Christmas baking ideas. (See recommended reading below.) The baking usually starts around December 20th. As Christmas approaches, the house will smell of baking and fresh wreaths. The glory of Christmas is at hand! Move the manger to a focal point, add lights to the Nativity to be lighted on Christmas Eve, and anticipate together.
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end of pattis post _______________________________
me: awesome,im printing this and writing down a few other ideas.Im making a catholic tradtions an family activities binder for my kids,so in the hopes they do a few of them with their kids since i didnt do it for them cause i wasnt a practicing catholic when they were small0
