Advent is started and before you know it, it will have whizzed by and Baby Jesus will have made His entrance!
Our Advent Calendar is up and hubby got me motivated to get the “Wreath” (ours is different…not quite a wreath) out yesterday (it was such a busy day and I had to make a trip that took all day to bring my sister back home). But I was able to dig it up and we had one purple candle lit as we played games around the table….so lovely and “Adventy”!
We were going to get the Stable Scene started but the weather has not cooperated….from ice to rain in the last four days. So now we will wait until things dry out and we can get in the field. Such is life….wonderfully imperfect!! 😛
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The following are some links you may be interested in for your Advent or otherwise. Please note that although I post these it does not mean I endorse the whole site.
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This link provides some ideas of gift-giving that are unique and “not-toy” items.
“What do we really want when we offer gifts to our kids? I’m guessing excitement, happiness, hopefully some lasting joy. It’s disheartening to give a highly anticipated toy or the newest gadget only to see it ignored a day or a week later. The antidote? Fewer presents of better quality, as well as an emphasis on experiences.
Real Tools for Real Work
Young kids beg to help out. When we let them, they’re learning skills as well as the satisfaction of taking on responsibilities. Rather than toy versions of tools, get them appropriately sized real tools (to use with supervision). You can get plenty of useful, not-too-large tools at your local hardware and home goods stores. As kids get older, invest in adult-sized tools they can use for a lifetime…..” Read more here.
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Yesterday was St. Andrew’s Feast Day! Educate yourself about this special saint by learning about the cross on which he was martyred here.
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How about some Chocolate Cream Cheese Stuffed Monkey Bread?
I haven’t tried it but I have it bookmarked for later reference…maybe to whip up for a Finer Femininity Meeting! So for those who like to try new and yummy-looking recipes click here.
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Another recipe – this one looks like a winner, especially for those of you who are gluten-free! 
4-Ingredient Peanut Blossom Cookies are billowy and soft, chewy and peanut butter-y. As if that isn’t enough it’s then topped with a Kiss. They are incredible! I can’t keep my hands off of them. Just stir scoop and bake. This simple recipe will be ready to go in the oven before it is done preheating!
I would stay close though, because if you are lucky enough to eat one of these cookies while they are still warm, you may never touch another cookie again. Click here for the recipe.
Detailed Illustration of a Set of Place Setting Formal Dinner
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Why the Christmas Tree Is Christian
A Story of Old England and Germany
By Michael Durnan
Christmas is the darkest time of year in Northern Europe and North America. In these frigid lands, the Christmas tree is a potent Christian symbol, a light shining in the winter darkness. Its evergreen foliage enlivens our bleak and barren winter landscapes at a time of year when broadleaved trees stand bare, desolate and skeletal.
But how did conifers, pines and firs become such recognizable symbols of the Feast of Christ’s Nativity? Read more here.
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Some lovely activities and a chance to learn about the wonderful Saint and Apostle, St. Andrew at St. Anne’s Helper! There is a four-up printable of the prayer card, a coloring page, and a worksheet. Take a peek!
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Deepen your understanding of Handel’s Messiah!
“Every year since I was a little girl, my mother and I go to a sing-along of Handel’s incredible masterpiece, the Messiah, during Advent. We bundle up, grab our music scores, find a seat with our fellow altos, and sing our hearts out. If you’ve never really listened to the Messiah you must do it this Advent.” Read more here…
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Sleepers, Wake! An Advent Music Guide and Playlist
After explaining how we fast from Christmas music during Advent (and then turn up the jams during the Twelve Days of Christmas until Epiphany!), I get a variety of reactions including “Are you insane?” Well, probably. And “so, what DO you listen to during Advent?” To be honest I am just now discovering “Advent music” instead of just abstaining from Christmas music and I have completely fallen in love with the haunting and hopeful liturgical music of the season. I can’t wait to share it with you and I’ve even created an Advent playlist for your listening pleasure (at the bottom of the post)! Read more here….
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The Piano Guys and O Come, O Come Emmanuel for your Advent…..
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And the Winner of the Christmas Rosary Bracelet Set and Ginjen Flower Accessory is…………………
Congratulations, Mary! I will send you an email to get your address!!
Thank you for all the different links. The Chocolate Cream Cheese Stuffed Monkey Bread looks great!!! A blessed Advent to you! 🙂
Sp many things to read and look at in this post. Have not read quite all of it, but I will take time later on to do so. Thank you and Blessed Advent.