Decorating a tree, putting up a wreath of evergreen, wrapping presents, lighting candles, hanging stockings, and sending Christmas cards are common family traditions. We encourage you to think about your own traditions. Maybe you would like to start a new tradition, something simple yet meaningful for this busy time of year.

Some simple suggestions

• Create one bow each day in Advent and tie together to make a garland of 27 bows by Christmas Eve. Each day say a simple prayer such as “Thank you, God, for Jesus. Amen.”

 
• Affix a sticker to a calendar for each day in Advent. Say a prayer for a different person each day.

 
• Take a photograph of each child holding a piece of paper with the date. When printed, mount each on a separate ribbon to be displayed as a Christmas decoration. Each year add another photo, and see how the children change.

 
• Bake (or buy) cookies and decorate with candies or icing.

 
• On Christmas Eve night, as a sign of room and hospitality to Mary and Joseph and to anyone who might be alone or traveling on this night, make luminarias to line your sidewalk and steps to the front door. The luminaria consists of a medium-sized paper bag with about an inch-and-a-half of sand in the bottom. A votive-size candle is set in the sand and lighted after dark.

 
• Gather the family to create an Advent wreath together.

 
• Each Sunday in Advent, read part of the Christmas story from a children’s Bible storybook

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For additional information about Celebrating the Lectionary, contact one of our educational consultants at 1-888-273-7782. 

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