It’s November, and although most of the world is starting to stress over the approaching holidays, I am carrying a secret little happy place inside me because Mid-November signals it’s time to start planning this year’s Advent Tradition.  And that brings me almost as much joy as doing it.

I’m admittedly a little stressed about getting all the planning and cooking for Thanksgiving done while working full time BUT that stress is ameliorated by knowing how much fun I am about to have as I begin thinking about how to make the Advent Tradition meaningful and fun for my family.

If this is your first year “doing Advent” as we call it, and even if it isn’t,  here are a few suggestions to help you have fun planning a fun and low-stress Advent Tradition:

Make the planning fun. How?

  • First and foremost by remembering that you are giving a gift to yourself and your family that will last long after the Christmas decorations have been packed up and gathering dust. You are giving the gift of experiencing the feeling of that elusive Christmas Spirit and we remember feelings long after we have forgotten the specifics of any event.
  • Create the Mood. Find or make a moment when you will have an hour or so of interrupted time. Put on your favorite Christmas music, fix yourself a hot cup of tea or coffee, and find a comfy place to sit with:
  1. Browse and Allow. Start by browsing through the cards and allowing your mind to settle into the groove of creating something magical. It can take a bit for the mind to release it’s agenda. Allowing it to be inspired and excited by the activities on the cards is fun and you’ll feel the magic beginning to take shape.
  2. Commitments.  On your planning calendar make a note of all the things the family or certain members are committed to doing or attending. If any of them can be included in the Advent Activities use the customizable cards from the Activity Card Set for it. This is the structure around which you can now play and create your Advent Tradition.
  3. Add the Favorites. Next, add in everyone’s favorites: Special Days, Drop a Dollar, Christmas Journals, Planning SSSS and doing SSSS. Be sure to use pencil as the process is rather organic. I have found that anything I set in ink, changes!
  4. Pace Yourself. Start filling in the other activities keeping aware of your personality and your energy level. The point is to add fun and meaning not more stress. So, if you’re a working mom with young kids, include simple activities on work nights like: A Story to Share, Say a Prayer for Someone, Treats to Share, Give to the Food Bank, Choose a Charity to Give to, etc…
  5. Prepare Little by Little. Once you know your activities, make a list of supplies you can get in advance and work them into trips you are already making. For instance, on a trip to the grocery store you could pick up a bag of candies or cookies for Treats To Share; or, while you’re in Costco add a Gingerbread House Kit to your cart; or, while at the bank (or check out line) get your dollars for Drop a Dollar Day.

Keep it Simple, Make it Fun, Plan with Flexibility and Advent’s begun!

Wishing you fun and joy in the planning,

Caren

Advertisement