I believe it is important to begin teaching the true meaning and reason we celebrate Christmas at a young age. I thought I would share a few traditions we started with our two littles. Our kids are two and four, so for now we keep things fairly simple and fun!
These Advent ornaments come in natural wood that you can hand paint, or you can purchase them pre-painted. I chose to get the natural wood and let my daughter help me paint them. She loves crafting, so this was a fun thing we got to do together.
Each day, starting on December 1st, we read and talk about what each ornament represents from the book provided, and then we hang the ornament on our tree. I chose to have a separate small tree in their play room to do this. That way the kids can focus on only the advent ornaments and not get distracted with other ornaments.
The kids look forward to taking turns getting to be the one to hang the ornament each day.
We also love to read! Over the years I have collected various Christmas books. I keep them in a basket in the living room so that the kids can see them and we read them throughout December.
Another tradition for us is the "4 Gift Rule", well at least 4 gifts from us! Of course their family will get them gifts as well. As parents we buy them 4 gifts each. I love the simplicity of this. It helps to not make Christmas shopping overwhelming and helps children to focus on the true reason for celebrating Christmas.
Gift #1: SOMETHING THEY WANT Bible Verse: Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17
Gift #2: SOMETHING THEY NEED Bible Verse: And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
Gift #3: SOMETHING TO WEAR Bible Verse: Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12
Gift #4: SOMETHING TO READ Bible Verse: Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2
(Click Here for more details on the 4 gift rule and to download the tags to use for wrapping!)
Besides Advent ornaments and Christmas books, we look foward to creating gingerbread houses, making smores in our fireplace, watching Christmas movies, singing christmas songs, and making various Christmas crafts.
It really is my favorite time of the year!
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