Did you know that today, November 27th, is the first day of Advent? Advent actually begins on the fourth Sunday prior to Christmas Day and lasts through Christmas Eve (I always thought it was December 1st thru 24th). Advent is a time of spiritual preparation for the coming of Jesus Christ and to remember the real meaning of Christmas.
Traditionally, an advent calendar is used to count and celebrate the days in anticipation of Christmas. Advent calendars come in a multitude of forms, from a simple paper calendar with flaps covering each of the days to fabric pockets attached to a board to painted boxes. I remember the wooden Advent calendars with tiny little drawers or cubby holes numbered 1 through 25 representing the countdown to Christmas. Each day a drawer would be opened and a chocolate treat or trinket or small toy was revealed.
May I suggest this year you start a new Advent tradition with your family. Join the Reverse Advent Calendar movement and be on the giving end this Christmas season. It IS better to give than to receive.
During the month of December, collect one item per day to give away. This could be toys, clothing, food, or personal care items. On December 1st, gather your family, grab a cardboard box or basket and explain the project. If you have young children, inform them that these things are to give away to someone who needs them. Invite your kids to decorate the box and make cards for the recipients of the box. This will help them get excited about the activity, and to visualize the box going to real people who will benefit from what they give away.
Each day, add a new item to the box or basket. On December 24th, give the entire box to a family in need, your church pantry or a shelter in your community. What a great way to celebrate the spirit of the season with your family as you share together in the act of giving. This would be a wonderful tradition to pass on to your grandchildren!
Happy Advent Season!
