Advent Series 103: How to

If you have read the previous two Advent Series, you are probably wondering how on earth all of that information can be used to teach your kids.  Well, the history part was just for you and because I love history and learning stuff.  Your kids probably don't care that Advent started in the 4th Century or that Martin Luther may have been the first to start using it as a tool for teaching families about Jesus.

But the rest of it is super useful because it is the starting point of our journey toward Christmas.  

This How to is the basic get you started kind.  Each additional Advent Series will have specific ideas about how we do Advent in our home with extra ideas from others.  Pick and choose what you like.  

The wise men and their trusty camel
are still traveling to the manger.
This year I noticed for the first time
a golden price tag on the bottom of the
camel.  He cost 35 cents.    

This is my Grandma's Nativity Set I
inherited.  It is in remarkably good
condition with the exception of the
bull.  He has a crazy horn that no
amount of twisting will help and is
missing portions of his base.
I love it, crazy horn and all!  

Planing Advent for your family can be overwhelming but have no fear!  I and those who have come before me are here to help.

First and foremost, take a deep breath and remember that this is not to add to your "To Do" list.  It is a tool to help you and your family focus on Jesus this Christmas.

This is my super simple, easy peasy plan for "putting" Advent into your already outrageously busy Christmas season.  

1. Think about all that you do during this horrendously busy season.  Then think about what you truly enjoy to do.  Cross off or resource as many of the unenjoyable things as possible.  There are things like laundry that have to be done but do you really have to mastermind the entire gift list?  Or be in charge of the work Christmas Party again?  
2. Sit down with your calendar (and your family if necessary) and choose one night a week during Advent and mark it in permanent marker - ADVENT NIGHT.  Don't let anything interrupt that night that is why you used permanent marker!  
3. Decide ahead of time how much effort and time you will give to organizing and planning your 4 individual Advent nights.  (Stick to your plan, don't feel guilty or inadequate for not keeping up with the Joneses - YOUR ARE NOT THE JONESES!  Unless your last name happens to be Jones, then I would say YOU ARE NOT THE SMITHS!)
4. If you have older kids or even younger ones that are quite rambunctious and need something to put their minds too, let them help you plan.  Kids are a wealth of information and creativity if asked.  They may surprise you with some unthoughtof tradition or activity they love.
5. DO IT!  

That is it!