Fall was so great for me this year. It began in August in Michigan. You could feel the changes and then when I came to NC, I was able to enjoy that all over again. I have been blown away at the beauty here. Sonny tells me that the colors have been more spectacular because of the drought. Even now there are brightly colored leaves still holding on and trees everywhere that are a blaze against the blue sky. I love it.
Thanksgiving was great. We had a wonderful feast. It was a day of true thankfulness for me and the company I kept made it all the more special.
And then the tree went up. Every day when Ryen comes home from school she plugs in the lights faithfully. And everyday we notice that the ornaments have new places on the branches.
And tomorrow begins Advent. I bought this for myself this year. You can find it at Target online although I bought it at Walmart. I checked Walmart online and they didn't have it. This one is by Tales of Glory, but Playmobile has one, too.
When I was young my, mother always had an advent wreath on the dining table. Every night before we ate we would sing a carol and light the candle/s for that week. Of course we would then eat by that candle light and often linger to have our nightly discussions. It was so special to me. Sometimes she would read a Bible verse but most often just the singing and candlelight. And it was enough to make a lasting impression in my heart. I ( as I often do) may have gone way overboard with this tradition. I love giving little gifts each Advent Sunday (not really a part of the worldwide celebration). Sometimes it would be a little treat, a candy bar or candy cane and of course I always had to give out socks. It didn't matter so much what was given, it could be so very little. It was just so fun for me. It also seemed to de-emphasize maybe just a little the whole "presents" anticipation because my kids got something each week. Some years there were activities for us to do each week, like everyone got a cookie cutter or some part of a special project.
****But the REAL reason for celebrating Advent and the best part of it for me is making that time to focus on the Savior. I truly believe Christmas is about the gifts He gave us. So many gifts and when we can focus on that, through carols, scriptures, giving, or whatever-wherever-however your heart takes you on a path that leads you to Jesus Christ...surely that is a good thing.
Happy Advent Season and Merry Christmas!!!!!!
3 comments:
You make every holiday so special! I love advent. I think we'll use our advent book we made my first year at college. I have some great advent memories thanks to you!
We started yesterday too! This is a tradition I am glad to pass on! We open our first gifts tonight. Thanks Mom for giving our little family so many fun traditions.
-Suz
Thanks Mo..I am really glad to have such a great tradition passed down to our family.. Drew was so stoked to have advent...It was really nice last night..we read scriptures and did our gifts...I will never forget my first advent with you though...even though I was not at an understanding of the church and the spirit...and can remember how wonderful it made me feel...not only to be thinkging of the savior, but to be with such special people! I love you and we miss you tons!
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