Keeping Spirits Bright: Our {5 Favorite} Merry Christmas Traditions

After hosting my entire family for several days during the Thanksgiving holiday, I have to admit, I wasn't prepared for the sudden entrance into Advent.  Usually, I have a few days of cushion between Thanksgiving and Advent to prepare all of the little seasonal inspirations - the Jesse Tree, the Advent wreath and calendar, our book basket and St. Nicholas activities. Thankfully, so many of our family traditions are becoming just that - rock solid TRADITIONS, and the older boys especially have reached the point of knowing just how to help make all of the preparations, unlike cleaning the house and roasting a turkey (one of these days!).  While I'm in hostess recovery therapy, otherwise known as HRC, I'll let the testosterone run wild with Adventus abandon.  I have complete confidence in their decorating skills (as long as I'm a non-conscious state).

For today's Five Favorites (graciously hosted by Hallie at Moxie Wife), I thought I'd share a few of our favorite Advent and Christmas "extras," aside from the faith-based traditions, that really help keep the season bright for all of us around here.

- 1.  Music -

Words cannot express how much I LOVE listening to music during Christmas. No two sweeter words were ever put together than Pandora and FREE.  We like to mix it up, a little Michael Buble here, a dash of George Winston there.  But for me, it's all about finding the perfect song with the perfect lyrics, something fresh, poetic, inspiring and memorable to savor throughout the season.  

Last year, my great discovery was Leaving Heaven, sung by Matthew West and Vince Gill.  Oh, Vince, Vince, Vince, Vince.  Let me count the ways I love thee. The guy is a musical genius.  I savor his solo work, but must admit that I get a little giddy when he sneaks in on a duet. His voice is like butter, it blends with with everyone so beautifully, making musical yumminess.  He can even make Taylor Swift sound like a singer. {Sorry!} Anyhoo....my fave line of this song?

So, if you've ever wondered how much you're worth,

You should know....

You're the reason why I'm leaving heaven.

 - 2.  Special Sips  -

It wasn't until a few years ago that I really embraced the truth that Advent, like Lent, is also a time of preparation.  Therefore, the Church really encourages us to consider particular spiritual exercises, such as fasting, prayer and sacrificial offerings, in order that our souls might be strengthened for what is to come: the arrival of our Savior into the world.  

I'll be the first to admit that it's easier to fast during Lent than during Advent.  Who can pass up the plates of cookies, cakes and sweet breads that the neighbors bring by??  While we make a strong effort to scale back the irresistible indulgences, Steve and I realize that this particular sacrifice is meant more for our good than the children's.  One of our traditional treats during this season is to drive around and enjoy all of the beautiful lights and then come home to savor a special cup of cocoa.  I like to jazz it up a bit, and make something unexpected for the family each year. A few days ago,  in my quest for the perfect cup, I found this amazing list of recipes on Pinterest.

3.  Movies 

Confession: I have a serious thing for the Hallmark Countdown to Christmas Movie series.  I know, I know many of them are a little cheesy, and definitely predictable, but hey, I get a lot of laundry done in the evenings with all of the cheese and sentiment and predictability to distract me from the agony of matchless socks. As for the kids, they would probably be scarred for life if we didn't watch It's a Wonderful Life and White Christmas every year.  They can pretty much quote both shows word for word.

This year I'm hoping to break away from my domestic delights and escape to the theatre to see The Christmas Candle.  Have any of you seen it?? Thumbs up? Thumbs down? Sideways? Your thoughts, please!

- 4.  Tour of Lights -

As a child, one of the most treasured traditions I delighted in during Christmas was bundling up and piling into the car with my family for an evening drive to see the Christmas lights around town. Now, I love sharing that same experience with our kids.  Last night we took the kiddos out to experience the Illuminations Exhibit at the Botanica Gardens.  It was absolutely stunning!! We had a ball!!

- 5.  Great Books Around the Fireplace -

If you've passed by the blog over the past couple of weeks, you may have noticed that I'm a little bit book obsessed, especially when it comes to great Christmas reads.  Is it shameful to admit that our basket is overflowing with approximately 42.5 stories?? The inventory would probably be closer to 50, but unfortunately 7.5 books have been shredded over the past 12 years since my blissful delivery of 5 mini wrecking balls into our home. Every year I add a title or two to our basket, and this year the kids are anxiously awaiting the arrival of Christmas From Heaven to our doorstep.

What are your favorite family traditions??

Make This Advent Memorable ~ Ideas and Resources for Celebrating the Season

If you are still looking for ideas on how to celebrate Advent in your family, or are wondering how to begin a few new traditions in your home during this season, you have come to the right place! A repeat from last year, this was one of my most popular posts.  I hope you find something for you and your family to enjoy!

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On December 2nd, the Christian church will begin their celebration of the season of Advent. The literal translation of Advent, from the Latin adventus, is coming or arrival. It is typically used when referring to something extremely important.  Advent is the anticipation of the coming of Jesus Christ, our Savior and our King.  

It's difficult to maintain a spirit of anticipation of the coming of Christ during Advent.  Most of us, especially children, have a greater sense of anticipation toward decorating the tree, baking cookies, stringing lights and most of all opening gifts laid quietly beneath the tree by Santa on Christmas Eve.

Advent has sort of become Christmas, and Christmas (which is typically celebrated for 12 days, up until Epiphany) has sort of become "take down the tree and make some resolutions" time. 

If you are interested,  I believe that there are a few simple things parents can do to help our families experience a deeper sense of Advent at home:

1. Put up decorative reminders that draw your attention and focus 

into the anticipation of Christ's coming.  

This year I created simple luminaries to put in the window of the kitchen.  We will light them in the evening while having supper together.  They would also look lovely on a fireplace mantle, a buffet or as a centerpiece on a table.

After drawing the letters on each soup can (I used the large Progresso ones), I drilled evenly spaced holes along the letter pattern. A hammer and large nail would also work. 

Then, after washing the marker off (be sure and do this, or it will bleed through the paint), I spray-painted the cans white.  Any festive color would be great, even metallics!

To dress the cans up, just embellish with ribbon of any coordinating color, if you like.

Add a candle, and you're all set! 

(Be sure to use tea lights or small votives so that the flame shines through the letters.)

2.  Purchase or create your own traditional Advent wreath with candles. 

 These adorable wreaths would be fun to make with the kids!  Teach your children the history and significance of the wreath to make it even more meaningful.  Light the proper candle(s) each night, gather round, say prayers and sing songs (we love O Come, O Come Emmanuel).

3.  Create an Advent calendar of some sort, or purchase one with the windows that you can open, one for each day leading up to Christmas.  

I loved this idea from  Martha Stewart.  It would be so cute hung across a tall upright piano or even on a large mirror. Place something small in each stocking to remind your family of Jesus.  For example, pieces of straw (manger), a star (Star of Bethlehem), a cross, a lamb, etc. If it's in your budget, tuck in Christian ornaments that the children can add to the tree!

4.  Celebrate the Feast of St. Nicholas on December 6. 

We have found a lot of great resources and ideas from this website and have created many wonderful memories with our children on this day this day together.

If you are looking for ways to celebrate the Jesse Tree, O Antiphons, or saints feast days during the month of December, be sure to visit Catholic Cuisine for wonderful recipes and craft projects for the family!

5. Print out some simple activity or coloring pages that your kids can enjoy while you make supper, or to keep the little ones content during evening prayer time.  

I found these Free Printable (Christ-Centered) Advent Coloring Pages online, printed out several copies and put them in a folder marked "Advent." 

6.  Spend some quiet time reading aloud to your children inspiring stories that honor the true meaning of Christmas.  

If you're searching for a few new titles to add to your library, check out this list.....and this one, too!

7.  Finally, for my fellow homeschoolers, you can find various printable activities at Raising and Teaching Little Saints to incorporate into your religious education.

Come back and visit us on Wednesday, when I'll be posting my favorite Advent and Christmas picture books!

25 Festive Stories For Advent & Christmas GIVEAWAY!!

Curling up beside the fire with a basket filled to the brim with our favorite holiday books is one of the most treasured traditions that our family enjoys together during Advent and Christmas.  Every year, I love adding one or two new titles to our library, even though the children never tire of hearing the "old" ones over and over again.  All of the stories on our list are picture books geared toward younger children, however, don't be surprised if your older children take an interest in them too! 

This list does not include traditional tales such as The Nutcracker, the St. Nicholas Story or the biblical stories that accompany the Jesse tree.  You may find that these, and several other "obvious" selections, are missing from the list (I didn't include every book in our basket), but I hope that you find a new title that sparks your interest!

* All of the titles listed below are linked up to Amazon for ease of reference.  However, I highly encourage you to patronize your local bookshop or Catholic/Christian online retailer first, if you can! One of my favorites is Adoremus Books and Gifts.

Please be sure to sign up for our GIVEAWAY that begins today, Monday, November 25th and ends Monday, December 2nd.  

Three lucky winners will be randomly selected to win a book of their choice from the list!  I will announce the winner on Monday, so be sure to check back here to see if you are a winner!  

- 1. -

Christmas Day in the Morning  tells the story of a  young boy who is motivated by a deep love for his father to find him the very best Christmas present.

- 2. - 

The Carpenter's Gift  is a lovely story of generosity, hope and paying it forward.

- 3. -

Mr. Willoughby's Christmas Tree  is delightfully humorous, a classic book that encourages good stewardship and sharing.

- 4. -

Wild Christmas Reindeer.  Brett's beautifully illustrated story has a lot to say about the importance of treating others with respect.

- 5. -

Song of the Stars is a wonderful telling of the truth that everything on heaven and earth is created to praise the Lord.

- 6. -

Room for a Little One A perfectly sweet story of the nativity that your youngest children will especially enjoy.

- 7. -

A Certain Small Shepherd is a Christmas story set in the Appalachian mountains. It shines with themes of kindness, generosity, the treasure of family and hope in miracles.

- 8. -

A Very Merry Christmas, from the Classic Pooh series, is just what you would expect, a story of friendship, sharing and of course the traditional illustrations of characters we've all grown to love.

- 9. -

A Christmas Carol is a story many of us are familiar with, perhaps through the television events shown during the holiday season.  The story becomes even richer when read aloud to the accompaniment of the beautiful illustrations in this edition.

- 10. -

Christmas Mouse in the House Every Christmas book basket should have at least one lift-the-flap story in it! This one's text is charming and illustrations adorable.  

- 11. -

Christmas in the Big Woods The beauty of the Christmas season shines bright and pure through Laura's expressive stories which are focused on family unity and the immaterial blessings of the holidays. 

- 12. - 

This is the Stable Gentle rhyming and sweet illustrations make this depiction of the nativity a favorite that our little ones ask for over and over each year.

- 13. -

Christmas From Heaven  If you or anyone in your house enjoys history, this is the perfect Christmas story for you! 

- 14. -

The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey.  Last year's new addition to our basket, and easily are favorite story of the season.  Get your tissues ready, it's quite a tenderhearted tale!

- 15. -

The Twelve Days of Christmas by Laurel Long. After seeing the breathtaking illustrations, I wondered why I waited so long to purchase this little treasure based upon the traditional song of the same title.

- 16. - 

Good King Wenceslas is one of my all time favorite stories to read during Advent.  The illustrations are magnificent (boys will especially appreciate the grandeur of the king and his knights).

- 17. -

I don't think I'd be exaggerating if I said that I've read The Christmas Cookie Sprinkle Snitcher at least 100 times since we've added it to our collection.  The boys just love it! The illustrations are hilarious, and even I cannot hold back the giggles!

- 18. -

Bear Stays Up for Christmas is an adorable story about the joy of serving others. Kids will easily pick up on the themes of friendship, thoughtfulness, sharing, joy, sacrifice and encouragement.  

- 19. -

The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree A beautiful story is made even more poignant when it's words are matched with equally beautiful illustrations. This is one of those stories, which also ranks high on our list of favorites!

- 20. -

Tonight You Are My Baby is a gentle story of the birth of Christ from Mary's perspective.  It is beautifully written with a tenderness and warmth.

- 21. -

Father and Son A Nativity Story is a tender story of St. Joseph and his overwhelming feelings toward raising the son of God.  I love hearing my husband read it to the boys every year.

- 22. -

The Gift of the Magi is a thoughtful demonstration of the exemplary virtues of generosity, sacrifice, and self-gift lovingly enacted through two individuals during the Christmas season.  Though the text will be too advanced for little ones, if they are patient listeners, the language can be simplified and explained as the story is read aloud.

- 23. - 

Who is Coming to Our House? is a perfect story for Advent.  I added it to our basket a few years ago (read about it here!) and has been read dozens of times since then.

- 24. -

Great Joy by Kate DiCamillo is a precious of a little girl whose heart is awakened to the needs of the less fortunate, and the measures she takes to extend kindness to them.  

- 25. - 

Why Christmas Trees Aren't Perfect  was one of the first books I bought for our library many years ago. It encourages discussion on why Christ came into the world and how we can model His self-donating love to others.

*Two more additions to our basket can be found in this post.*

7 Quick Takes: Family Funnies, Fabulous Photos & A Few Favorites

Woo-Hoo Friday is here!! I realized this morning as I was shipping our oldest son, Ben, off to school that the real reason I love Fridays is that I know that for the next two days, our children will not be shuttled in different directions.  Life continues to be busy, but we experience the crazy together as a family, over the weekend, and I really love that precious time!

Here's my short and sweet 7 Quick Takes for the week.  Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!!

1. Side Splitters

My friend, Stacey, has a great sense of humor, and I can't resist sharing this little bit of hilarity that she shared on Facebook this week.  If you have had 2+ babies or are currently expecting, you may want to take a trip to the loo before watching.  You've been warned!!

2.  Baby Makes Eight!!

In case you missed it earlier this week, Steve and I announced that we are expecting our 6th little wonder in June.  We are over the moon, and of course the boys are loving all of the baby talk too - only because they are assuming we're having another boy.  Wouldn't it be nice to surprise them??!!

3.  If It Works For Chickens, It Works For Me (He Says)

This morning while I was trying to select the least nauseating breakfast, Steve came in to the kitchen and asked me to hold out my hands. Then, he proceeded to dangle a metal washer attached to a string above my hands.  

"What in the world are you doing??" I inquired.  

"I'm trying to find out if we're having a boy or a girl." 

WHAT??? "

"Yeah, one of my buddies told me yesterday that this is how he figures out the sex of their chickens."

Oh, good gravy.

I realized at that moment that our decision to let the sex of the baby be a surprise at birth is completely unrealistic.  Holding out until June is just too much for my guy.  And, even if his will power is super strong on the day of the sonogram, I'm still going to have to put up with these chicken tricks for the next 6 months.  Sheesh.

4.  Say NO to Auto

Four years ago, I took the plunge and bought a really nice camera, and ever since then it's been baby steps learning to be brave enough to wean my lazy self off of the auto settings.  I have found many great tips and tutorials on several photography blogs, but I'm really looking forward to learning from this workshop hosted by Capturing Joy with Kristin Duke. You can purchase it in PDF form or Video form at a reduced price until December 2nd. A big thanks to my friend, Kathryn, at Team Whitaker for sharing!

5.  A Peek Inside Our Christmas Book Basket & 
Giveaway on Monday!

Advent is just around the corner, which means I can't wait to share my list of our favorite family books that we will be reading throughout the Advent and Christmas Season.  Be sure to stop by on Monday to see my favorite picks and to sign up for my giveaway.  Three lucky winners will get to select a book of their choice from the list!

6.  Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!

What I wish my laundry life looked like:

Reality (sans dress):

{Photo Source}

Many of my friends have been posting on Facebook one thing that they are thankful for every day of November.  I'm kind of a fair-weather Facebooker, so I thought I'd share just one little big thing I'm truly grateful for today, and that's my Samsung washer and dryer.  Folks, I'm telling you, e-ve-ry time I throw a load in, I think about how much I love my man, who bought the set for me when we moved. The amount of clothes this baby will wash in one load is so mesmerizing it's down right life-changing. After three months of constant use, I'm still in awe! The settings and features are super specific, but all very simple to navigate.  The best part?? Our clothes get clean-clean - really nice, soft, lovely, happy clean!!  I LOVE it when appliances deliver!! Thank you, honey xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxxo!  

7.  Kitchen Incarceration

Sunday after Mass, we all ran in the house and did our usual 10 second peel out of the dress clothes and into the sweats routine.  I realized after a few minutes of being home, that I didn't know where Charlie was.  We all started calling out for him, and running through the house looking for our little guy.  This is where we found him:

 Sitting, pitifully, quiet as a mouse underneath our kitchen bar stools.

Upon our discovery, the boys were instantly reduced to side stitching giggles.  "Oh, no, Charlie is in jail! Poor, poor Charlie ! Did you put him in time-out, Mom??" Sure, blame me.

I wonder what made him decide to crawl inside of there? Perhaps he was simply curious, or he suddenly realized that it was the perfect quiet space to sit and think.  Children are so beautifully intriguing, thoughtful, imaginative, dreamy, silly and pure.  We welcome all the more of those delights in June!

Thank you, Jen, for hosting!

The 9 Month Maternity Marathon ~ Yep, I'm Running It!

Yesterday, I shared this little tid-bit on Facebook:

"Steve and I are excited to announce that I'll be running my FAVORITE marathon for the next few months.....It's the toughest race, but has the BEST view at the finish line, and the post-race party with the boys is always awesome!!"

I'm sure you guys aren't too surprised, as I am always writing about how yummy babies are and what gifts and graces flow when we are open to life, and how I've become a professional at handling the misguided, thoughtless comments of others when it comes to fertility and family size, etc., etc.

What you probably didn't know is that after I had our 4th little wonder, Mr. Henry, my body's endocrine system said, "Hasta la vista, baby!" (It did, I heard it). It completely left town, abandoning it's duty of helping me function like a normal human being.  My adrenals, thyroid and hormones made a swift disappearing act. So, that was fun. (I won't go into the boredom inducing symptomatic details - Google can fill you in.) Luckily, I have a great doctor who didn't think I was a hypochondriac and was willing to get to the root of the issues.  Slowly, the trio was revived and I started feeling better, which, to our great joy, made it possible for me to receive the gift of our 5th son, Charlie.

After Charlie's birth, the same dang thing happened again.  Only, this time, I never really felt like myself again.  All of my cooperation with the Dr.'s orders, still didn't result in a strong and sustained system.  Deep down, I knew that the possibility of having another baby was slim, but I kept hoping and praying that if God had plans to trust us with another life, He would give me the grace to trust in Him. I've already been asked if this little one is a surprise, to which I must answer, "yes!" followed by, "BUT, you didn't mean oopsy did you?? Because our baby isn't an oopsy, it's a miracle."  Everyone also wants to know if we were trying for a girl.  Really? Really?????

The boys are giddy with excitement, and so are we!  I'll be even more excited when my hyperactive gag reflex settles down a bit, and the waves of exhaustion pass.  I don't want to scare anyone off, but funny things happen when you experience your sixth pregnancy.  For instance:

 :: 6 minutes after you tinkle on the stick, you start to show. (Bye-Bye blue jeans, hello yoga pants.)

:: 6 questions are asked 60 different ways by your children how this really happened.

(Our precious sons always look at me for answers, but I divert them with cupcakes.)

:: 6,000 kegels are what it would take to re-gain control over peeing your pants after sneezing and giggling. Raise your hand if you despise kegels.  What's a kegel?

::6 pregnancies x 9 months = 54 eternities without wine (that's nearly 5 years people!)  The next time you uncork a bottle, think of me!

:: 600 mental attempts at rearranging the entire house are what my mind goes through at night while laying in bed trying to convince myself that another baby and all the baby stuff won't shrink our square footage.

:: 16 times a day I have to explain to the boys why  our ninja wars on the trampoline will hereby be suspended until mid-summer. We are currently looking for a less violent form of quality time.

I hope you guys are ready to run through the next 6.5 months and all of the baby bananas with me! We can do this, right?? Raise your glass of OJ with me: 

Here's to the constant carb cravings, feet swollen to the next shoe size, 

support bands and bigger boobs (hey, for some of us, that's a major benefit!).

Have a great day, my friends!!