During Advent we have a few special traditions with our children. In such a busy season we try to put our focus back to Jesus in activities as a family. The first is a Jesse Tree. We have a book that goes along with special ornaments that highlight special moments in the Old Testament leading up to the birth of Jesus. Every night we read from the book and add a new ornament to a small tree we use solely for this activity. The kids look forward to seeing favorite ornaments again and taking turns reading from the book. We also light an Advent wreath after dinner every night.
Our family also chooses 'Advent Angels'. The kids each pick a name from a hat of another sibling. They are supposed to pray for that person, help with their chores, and then on Christmas Eve they give that sibling a special gift. It helps them bond as siblings.
Finally, we make a paper chain of red and green paper that we write good deeds on. There is much more willingness to do chores joyfully when they get to add a link to the chain. We try to make it longer each year.
-Taryn, People of Hope Member
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