I think Advent is the most special time of year for me because it encapsulates all that I love most dearly: anticipation, gifts, beauty, family, coziness, hope, time to reflect, intentional enjoyment and being cherished. And there are four full weeks to focus on that.
Every year we have celebrated a little differently, feeling our way through the kids' ages and stages to what connects most with them as an 'us.'
Today we are putting a turkey in the oven and making treats, we are building anticipation, we are emphasizing a season that begins today and ends each evening with candles and family together. We are preparing our hearts to make space to celebrate not just one day, but every single day of the year.
Advent is the foundation for all of our beauty and joy. It is why I put a white, sparkly butterfly on the top of our tree. This season transforms me, changes us - it is the cocoon of reminder of what matters most.
"Look, I don't want to wax philosophic, but I will say that if you're alive you've got to flap your arms and legs, you've got to jump around a lot, for life is the very opposite of death, and therefore you must at very least think noisy and colorfully, or you're not alive."
10 comments:
i want to learn to celebrate this advent full. i think i will spend the next few weeks digging deep into the birth of Christ and what it means to swell with new life...
would you want to guest post on advent at some point? xo
Bounced over from Emily's. You've got a great place here, and I couldn't agree with the Mel Brooks' quote more. Can you jumping around at this very moment?
I too am a lover of Advent. Such an amazing time of year.
I'm so with you re Advent. And every year I treasure it more.
I do love, love, love your quotes! And I am always inspired by your thoughts. They always make me say,"YES." And, "Oh, that's interesting/fascinating/moving/lovely."
And again, "YES!"
Thank you, Misha :)
Me, too, Deb!
And thank you, Helena. This year our Advent will look so different from others but I am still just so excited about it!
Yes! You have described here what I have been trying to put into words all morning! And I always love your quotes.
Isn't that quote fantastic?!! : )
I have used an Advent calendar every year since I was small and I wanted my kids to have the same tradition so we've always (when we could find them) bought the ones with chocolates hiding behind a little door for each day. We also have a Christmas tree Advent calendar that we pull out every year. And in all that time I had NO idea that Advent actually meant something. I just thought it was the name of a type of calendar. I learned something new, thank you for that! :)
That made me laugh! : ) I betcha you are one of many, many who think that. Yeah, it's a part of the more traditional church calendar. It's meant to be an intentional season of expectation - rereading the old and new testament promises that hope was coming. Usually celebrated with a wreath of candles or some type of symbolism in a family that helps children understand that something very special came to give them light and hope.
I think anticipating chocolate is worth a whole honourable mention all in itself, though! : ) Still giggling. I love you, Shanna!
your words give me ABSOLUTE GOOSEBUMPS. I'm going to add "We are preparing our hearts to make space to celebrate not just one day, but every single day of the year" to my favorite quote list. THANK YOU for always sharing the most eloquent thoughts and prayers.
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