Beyond the Jesse Tree
Posted by Danielle Bean in Faith on Monday, November 17, 2008 1:00 PM
With just under two weeks left before Advent begins, I thought I’d offer a list of some easy ways to keep your focus on Christ during this typically frenzied season.
Plan a gift for Jesus. Think of something special you can give Christ this Advent. Will you cut back on sweets, add a daily Rosary, or ... make room in your heart to forgive someone who needs forgiving?
Let it go. At least once each day, let something go. Don’t snap back when someone else loses his patience with you. Don’t nag your spouse or kids, even if they deserve it. Refuse to take part in family holiday drama. Leave something undone or done less than perfectly if “doing it right” is going to cost you peace in your home.
Read the Bible. Last year, I had my older kids each memorize a section of the Christmas story the second chapter of Luke. Spending our days practicing the words of the Christmas story kept the real meaning of Advent and Christmas fresh in our minds.
Bring the Nativity home. Preferably in the form of a touchable set. I fell in love with this Playmobil Nativity set
Read to your kids. If you don’t already have a Christmas collection at home (or can’t afford the collection of your dreams) check your library for some Tomie DePaola classics: The Night of Las Posadas
Visit a nursing home. I used to work in the activities department of a nursing home. Let me tell you—a group of kids who show up with hand-made cards and some songs to sing or poetry to recite is always a welcome way to spend an a few hours. If you think your kids might be shy, plan some questions for your kids to ask the residents or bring along a simple, interactive game like Bingo or Old Maid.
Surprise someone. Be a secret Santa to someone in need. Leave cookies with a secretive note for a neighbor, leave an extra-large tip for a frazzled waitress, or do another family member’s chore without saying a word.
Give to babies in need. Remind your family that Baby Jesus was born a poor boy in manger. Then collect or buy baby items and clothing to donate to a crisis pregnancy center.
Plan a visit. Take the kids for a Holy Hour or to visit a nearby shrine at least once during Advent. Make it a special outing—maybe go after an early dinner and take your time on the way home to enjoy some Christmas lights.
Add prayer. Consider adding this Advent prayer to your family’s grace before meals: Lord God, may we, your people, who look forward to the birthday of Christ experience the joy of salvation and celebrate that feast with love and thanksgiving. We ask this through our Christ Our Lord, Amen. Or choose a different one from this list of other Advent prayers.
How about you? What can you add to this list?
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