Am I the only one starting to think about Christmas? I am starting to put together some lists. I would love to have everything purchased and wrapped before the start of Advent. This year. I repeat THIS YEAR, Advent is not going to get away from me. I am usually so busy with researching and buying and all the other activities, that the quiet, thoughtful, preparation to get my heart ready for our Savior gets lost in all the hustle and bustle. And well, the children follow my lead. Their Advent is as good as mine. But not this year.
I was in a local bookstore this weekend looking for a copy of the Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. I think this would make a great read aloud. When I was in the bookstore I noticed how "dark" children's literature has gotten. It is really sad that this is what this generation of children are interested in reading. A lot of vampires and witches, and wizards. Creepy. Anyway, I found some nice Christmas picture books on clearance to add to our collection.
Oh, and I have to share the one change we made around here that is making the biggest difference. We started waking all the children up at 7 am. That is early for us. Instead of everyone coming down whenever and then getting started at their own pace we are all up early. We eat breakfast, get dressed, feed animals and start school. We save the chores for after our lessons. We are accomplishing so much here on the home front. On that same note we decided to sit this soccer season out. The children are a little disappointed, but we just have so much going on with other activities. I am tired of being out of the house every single night of the week and living out of a 15 passenger van, eating dinner at 8:30pm and going to bed way to late. Hoping this decision will calm things down a bit here.
I am counting down the days until we get a break from our activities! I am going to really appreciate being home.
I am so with you about actually celebrating Advent and not letting it get lost in the hustle and bustle. It is my goal this holiday season to just slow down and focus on "the reason for the season."
Posted by: Tiffany | November 11, 2009 at 07:14 PM