Advent

bearkatjen

For those that observe, how do you keep Advent? DH is a cradle Catholic, but he doesn't really have any helpful suggestions. I didn't grow up observing Advent, but I'm in RCIA, and DH and I are raising DS Catholic, so I'd like to make more of an effort to "keep the seasons". 

I know about Advent wreaths and Advent calendars. We put our Christmas tree up the evening of December 5th each year for St. Nicholas, but this year the tree is starting out bare, and we will trim the tree leading up to Christmas. What else can we do or hold off on?

MrsKigerToBe

Definitely go to church each week. The mass is really lovely this year. I look at Advent as a period of celebration, so maybe having an activity each weekend relating to Christmas celebrations (such as reading stories from the bible leading up to the birth of Jesus (or telling a more simplified one for your son depending on his age)). You could also do more creative/crafty things such as make ornaments, bake cookies, get things together to donate to a local shelter and have your son involved. I think its important to just remember its a time of excitement because Jesus is about to be born, versus Lent which is more put certain things aside until Easter. 

KPSimon

We love the advent season...the church is so beautifully decorated and there are many additional services/activities.  Our church does an annual cleaning at the beginning of advent, where parishioners can come and help out...and it's actually a lot of fun.  We participate with different organizations for the angel tree, set up/clean up and help for meals and services to people in our area.

At home we light the advent candles at dinnertime.  We used to do the purple and pink candles, but converted to just white candles.  We do set up a nativity scene and the kids like to move the magi around the house as they make their way to baby Jesus on Epiphany.

We do do advent calendars in our house...they're really more 'fun' than religious though (for us).  Same for St Nicholas, which is today!  December 6th.  On the evening of the 5th, the kids have metal buckets they put outside their door, and on the morning of the 6th, they have a few small presents.  Dh also gives me a present on St Nicholas Day...he's so cute.

AMJ6511

We are Orthodox Christians and have an Advent fast up until Christmas. It's kind of like lent..no meat, cheese, dairy, eggs etc. It's actually kind of strict. But, going to church weekly or more than weekly is a good option.