{Notes for December 2nd ~ the 8th}
* Set up the children's creche in the learning room.
* Fill Advent calendar boxes with little messages or treats.
* Decorate Christmas tree ~ I love natural decorations, and these would be lovely!
* Light our first Advent candle ~ Add sprigs of (kitty-safe) greenery gathered on this week's nature walk.
* On St. Barbara's Day (Dec. 4th) ~ Gather bare branches to force in a bucket of water, in hopes they'll bloom by Christmas Day.
* On St. Nicholas Day (Dec. 6th) ~ Hang candy canes in the tree - one for each boy - with a little note describing something he has done this year of which he should be proud. Also, place a new Christmas book for our collection under the tree.
* Mail Christmas cards ~ Prepare a plate of cookies for the lovely ladies at the post office. :)
* Begin "Animals of Christmas" with Earlybird ~ Organize notebook, visit "our" farm, add wooden animals to creche, and read books centering on animals of the manger.
* Honor the Feast of the Immaculate Conception (Dec. 8th) ~ Make some pure vanilla cookies (I get these aptly named treats at Whole Foods), hang our symbolic ornament on the tree and listen to this song which never fails to move me to tears.
* Set up our Christmas card display ~ Hang felt ribbons along the windowpanes with tiny clothespins attached.
***
As the first Sunday of Advent approaches, I'm reminding myself that this can be a time of quiet and peace, despite the "hustle and bustle" of the cultural norm. I'm trying to focus on family- and home-centered activities ... less "out and about," more "in and within." I'm also considering our Advent home atmosphere ... the sights, sounds and stimuli that surround us. Being pregnant has added a whole new dimension to the season for me - in the practical and personal sense. I am truly relishing this time of year ... waiting, watching, wondering ... there are some very special weeks just ahead.
Have a lovely weekend, my friends!
❤
