This year we are using the Scripture readings from Focus on the Family for Advent. There are also some ideas for Christmas activities and traditions on this website.

Advent:  A coming; the coming of our Saviour.
From the Latin, adventus, from advenio, of ad and venio, to come.

I made this patchwork ‘calendar’ a few years ago to use for Advent. We start reading on the 1st December and count down the days until Christmas. This doesn’t actually line up with the Advent Scripture readings above but it is easy to adjust them.  The readings are only a few verses so we do about 3 or 4 of the readings after dinner in the evening and each person takes a turn at opening a bag and getting their treat.

   

Salt Dough Recipe

Free nativity scene to assemble here.

Here’s one made out of craft sticks. Very cute and a good project for younger kids.

                             

The Quiet Little Woman by Louisa May Alcott

Patty was raised in an orphanage but longed to be part of a family. At the age of 13 she went to live with a family, and although they were kind and provided for her, her role was that of a servant. This is a short story with large illustrations on every page and would appeal more to girls under about 10 years of age.

We’ve enjoyed reading books that weren’t actually Christmas books per se but included accounts of Christmas. The Little House books by Laura Ingalls Wilder have some lovely Christmas accounts. It’s refreshing to look back at the simple Christmas celebrations in these books and the thought that had to go into making presents with little resources.

The first couple of chapters of Little Women by Louisa May Alcott is set around Christmas. An online version is here.

I’ve been reading sections of John Milton’s poem aloud during the past week.