I’m participating in the KEEP CHRIST in CHRISTMAS Blog Link-Up 2013,
hosted by
hosted by
Monica at www.equippingCatholicfamilies.
Tina at http://trulyrichmom.com/
Laura at http://daybydayinourworld.com/
Sarah at http://onthewayhome2.com
Allison at http://totustuusfamily.
Birgit at http://designsbybirgit.
We'll be sharing different ways, tips, stories and real-life experiences that will help us focus our Advent and Christmas on JESUS!
Please scroll down to the end of the post to see the list of link-up entries. It is open to Christians of all denominations who observe Advent.
How do we keep Christ in Christmas?
We start in Advent. Our entire school focus changes. We decorate a Jesse Tree and learn all about the genealogy of Jesus.
We read many special books that keep our focus on the coming of Christ.
We do special crafts and activities
We memorize portions of the magnificat (Mary's prayer that she proclaims when visiting Elizabeth) as well as parts of the birth narratives of Jesus. The children recite these on Christmas day.
We bake special treats
We listen to music
and we always light our Advent wreath and have special readings/prayers to go along with it.
And we never forget our Advent chain that helps us count down the days until Christmas! :-)
Equipping Catholic Families: Keep Christ in Christmas
Simply Homeschool Living Advent Series 12/1 - 12/25
Fifth of Five Keeping Christ in Christmas - Blog Link-up 2013
Coffee Moments with Sam The Light of Hope
Hand-Maid With Love: CHRISTmas Presence: Keep Christ in Christmas 2013 Edition
Open Window Making hay while the Advent wreath shines
Faith Filled Freebies: Keep Christ in Christmas
Written by the Finger of God: Not Christmas as Usual
On the Way Home: Keep Christ in Christmas
Sue Elvis Writes: Bring Christ to Others
Mommy Bares All Why Celebrate Christmas Even After #YolandaPH
Canadian Catholic Mom Keeping The Little Ones Focused: An Advent Link-Up
Mountain of Grace Homeschooling Keep Christ in Christmas
Em’s Estuary: Keeping Christ in Christmas
Happy Little Homemaker: December Devotion: Immaculate Conception
Adoro Ergo Sum: How We Keep Christ in Christmas
JoyAlive.net: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
Home to 4 Kiddos Keep Christ in Christmas
Embedded Faith Boldly Be the Christ in Christmas
City Girl, Country Home Emmanuel Is With Us. Are we WITH HIM?
Journey to Wisdom: Trusting in your Awkward Fiats
Joy of Nine9 Waiting in Joyful Expectation Like a Child
Splendor in the Home Ideas For Keeping Advent and Christmas Holy
Training Happy Hearts 10 Ways to Celebrate the New Liturgical Year
Designs by Birgit: Elf on a Shelf and Santa Claus
Catholic Inspired: Faith-Centered Family Christmas
A Slice of Smith Life: How we keep Christ in Christmas
Catholic All Year: Three Reasons I love Advent
Mary the Defender: Christmas The Battle Begins
Truly Rich Mom: Keep Christ in Christmas
Day By Day in Our World: 40 Days Seeking Him and Keeping Christ in Christmas
Diapers and Drivel: Keeping Christ in Christmas
Raising Soldiers 4 Christ: Keeping Christ in Christmas
Rosary Mom Keep Christ In Christmas With A Teenager
Campfires and Cleats How We Keep Christ in Christmas
Life Unabridged: Celebrating the Fullness of the Advent and Christmas Season
Homeschooling With Joy Keeping Christ in Christmas
Mrs Domestic Bliss Gingerbread Nativity
The Chic Traveller Keeping Christ in Christmas
California to Korea Keeping Christ in Christmas
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17 comments:
Sounds wonderful! We do many of the same things here. I love being able to change the direction of our schooling. It allows the children to grow more in their faith.
"We memorize portions of the magnificat (Mary's prayer that she proclaims when visiting Elizabeth) as well as parts of the birth narratives of Jesus. The children recite these on Christmas day" LOVE THIS!
We do most of the things you mentioned, too, except the memorization and baking (we don't have an oven) and the Advent "links"! :) Something to add on to our traditions for next year, maybe. When the baby's bigger! LOL! Blessings and prayers from the Philippines!
As always, I love the photos of your kids! And what a lovely Nativity they are assembling. We do many of the same things you do, with the exception of the chain. Our tradition is to have a 'Waiting Tree' which bears tiny books (added one per day) that tell the story leading up to, and including, the birth of Jesus. Wishing you a blessed Advent!
Wow, you have some wonderful activities! I love the idea of teaching the children the Magnificat--such a beautiful prayer.
We have not done a Jesse Tree before but I definitely want to incorporate one next Advent! We always sing O Come Emmanuel after our morning prayers!
Your chain sounds like a great idea. and the Magnificat is something I need to teach my children ASAP. Thank you for the reminder
So many fun activities and treasured memories together! I love it!
We do many of the same things. We get out the wreath, do Advent Adventure & Welcome Baby Jesus devotions
We share so many of the same, wonderful traditions.
Great post.
Blessings,
EMily
Lisa,
We do many of the same things as your family but haven't tried an Advent chain. We have the Strega Nona book too. Tomie dePaola's books have such beautiful artwork. We love all the Catholic details!
Have a very blessed Advent!
I would highly encourage you to learn the Magnificant, if you don't already do so, in Latin. It is a beautiful prayer and one that I often pray to myself in Latin.
This is one of my favorite recordings of it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXub6v3e8-Y
My son came home with an Advent chain from school, and I was very excited about it! They have their little chocolate calendars, but the chain is such a nice decoration for the house.
Great post, lots of wonderful ideas!
I love the little nativity...and the paper chain hanging from the Baby Jesus. So nice to see inside your home!
I never thought to use a live plant as a Jesse tree - I like that idea! My curiosity is peaked by those piggies in the one picture...were they helping to build the Nativity scene? ;-)
My family's special tradition is a Jesse Tree. Each night during Advent we hang an ornament and read the scripture. It's fun to see what your family does to celebrate Advent and keep Christ in Christmas. See photos of my Jesse Tree ornaments here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/PinkScissorsDesign
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