Advent 2012

Today was the first day of Advent; well actually tomorrow is.  It's the season in the Christian calendar that begins four Sundays before Christmas Eve.  It's a time of preparation for Christmas, waiting for the celebration of the birth of Christ.  For me it's a time of great joy and anticipation.  I'm trying to share that with Tate.  He's learning all about the true meaning of Christmas here at home and thankfully at school as well, if not more so there.  When we were shopping the other day he shouted out "We have to buy a birthday present for Jesus!" (He has decided this present needs to be a train;  I wonder if he anticipates that Jesus will share with him.)

Last year a fellow SMC mentioned to me that to celebrate Advent or recognize Advent she has her 2 sons open a new book each night during Advent instead of (or maybe in addition to, I'm not sure).  She wrapped up the books, and the boys chose a book each night to unwrap and read.  I loved the idea!  Instead of a little calendar with candy (how dentist heart sings) Tate could get a book!!  I'm always looking for ways to encourage and foster his love of reading.  (He chooses to read books in the car almost all the time, for hours at a time!)

Last year all 24 books were Christmas related.  Some were hits, others were immediately forgotten, not even read the night they were opened.  This year I decided the majority will be Christmas related, but I've thrown a few in there that are not.  In addition, I've recycled some of last year's books because (a) he won't remember them (b) they were good books, just not ones I could convince a 2 year old to sit through (c) I just don't think we need almost 50 Christmas books in 2 years.  I've got some totally secular Christmas books in there...ie Thomas or Elmo, but am just as heavy on the religious books as well.  So, we'll see.  I'm excited.  I need about 6 more books, so need to scour the bookshelves for a few more :)

Our Celebration of Advent 2012

I didn't re-fancy up the basket obviously! :)