December and Advent are here!!!

December is here and it's the start of advent!!  A friend from MOPS told me about Truth in the Tinsel: An Advent Experience for Little Hands that she does with her kids each year to help them stay focused on the Christmas story and not get caught up in all the other "fun" things going on.   

 

Bryce has an advent calendar that's a Christmas tree and he gets to put an ornament on it everyday, but it doesn't have anything to do with the Christmas story.  I figured this would be a great year to start on this fun activity and it also includes Christmas ornaments each day!  I didn't end up purchasing it until Saturday night, but luckily I had what I needed for Day 1.  This is an e-book, but you can download it to your regular computer and use it just the same.  There are a few coupon codes out there for 20% off if you go to Vanderbilt Mom or Cumming Local. 

 

 

Day 1 - Jesus is the Light of the World.

 

Here is a brief overview of the program - 1)The Clue - There are a set of 24 picture cards to put in each day of your advent calendar or paper rings to make a chain if you don't have an advent calendar.  2)The Scripture - There is a short passage to read and the kids should listen out for the clue as you're reading.  3)The Ornament - A quick ornament craft to reinforce the clue/topic of the day.  You can also purchase additional material with ornament coloring pages if you don't have time to do a detailed craft everyday.  4)The Talk - Discuss the scripture or the person or event you're making the ornament about.  5)More - Extra activities to expand on the topic.

 

We had our Hanging of the Greens service at church tonight and the kids got to sing Joy to the World.  Emmy thought she was something else up there with the big kids.

 

Decorating the Chrismon tree is always fun.  Children two and under get to go up first and place an angel ornament on the tree.

 

The Crismon tree all decorated for Christmas! 

 

Us 

 

Emmy over indulged in every sweet treat she could find.  YUM! 

 

This boy! 

 

 And if you live in our area, it's not Christmas until you've seen Santa ride by on the fire truck.  Bryce wasn't here when he came by today, but it woke Emmy up from her nap so we went out to see him on his second lap by the house! 

 

 

I hope everyone can take time to appreciate the reason for the season this year and not get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everything that goes on this time of year.  I really think Truth in the Tinsel is going to keep me focused this year and is the best gift I could give to the kids!