First Day of December

My children hopped out of bed this morning because they knew that the first day of December brings the start of several fun seasonal traditions in our house.  In December, we anticipate Christmas and the celebration of the birth of Jesus in a couple different ways.  The kids made paper chains to tear off each day as they count down the days until Christmas.  We also have an Advent House with 25 little drawers.  The kids find nativity ornaments to hang on a tiny tree on some days, candies, and little notes that surprise them with hot chocolate in the morning, or special small surprises (Christmas coloring books, pez despensers, stickers, etc).  They love this!  We also listen to The Cinnamon Bear radio story that I grew up listening to.  A new tradition we have started this year is doing the Advent Wreath each evening as a family.  We read scripture, light a candle, pray, and sing a Christmas carol with eachother.  We are hoping that we can all focus on the true meaning of Christmas each night as we lead up to this special time of year.