Advent

It is the day before Thanksgiving, and my boys are enjoying the stack of Thanksgiving books set out in our living room, but Advent is right around the corner!

We will continue to read our favorite Advent book this Christmas, but I am excited about trying a new free email Advent Calendar from Professor Carol:

“Professor Carol’s Advent Calendar will bring you daily inspirational and educational messages throughout the Advent Season 2013. Delve into the history of many of our seasonal traditions and explore the symbolism of this time of preparation. Each day, Professor Carol takes on a new topic that you can study further with your family or simply enjoy.

“You won’t need scissors or any other materials for anything unless you want to make an Advent Wreath. It’s not about crafts. Instead, you will learn about the origins of the Noël, the real stories of St. Nicholas and St. Lucy, the German Christmas markets, poetry for the season, even Advent grammar. This year, we are asking people to sign up to receive the messages by email. It’s free of course, and you can opt out any time. So sign up below and be ready! Advent starts on December 1 this year, and the emails begin the day before with a history of the Advent Calendar.”

We also read through The Jesse Tree by Geraldine McCaughrean each Christmas. Our Playmobil Nativity Manger with Stable and Three Wise Kings come out on the first day of Advent. (I think we’ll be adding Saint Nicholas and Angel this year for our St. Nicholas festivities next week.)

ETA: I totally forgot. I also purchased Behold the Lamb of God: An Advent Narrative by Russ Ramsey for my own reading, as well as the companion CD Behold the Lamb of God by Andrew Peterson.

ETA (again!): This free Family Art and Advent Reading Guide with art ornaments download from Story Warren looks gorgeous. Especially if you have younger children. It incorporates Bible passage readings, but also has corresponding pages for The Jesus Storybook Bible: Every Story Whispers His Name.

I shared a bunch of our favorite Christmas books last year (here, here, and here), but starting this Friday, I will be sharing a few new favorites added to our collection this year!

(P.S. A HUGE thank you to those of you who have made Amazon purchases after clicking through on one of my links. I receive a small commission on those purchases, whether or not they were the item I recommended, when you place them in your cart after going through my links. Your support has been greatly appreciated!)