Christmas Traditions # 4

#4 Advent

The word Advent means "coming" or "arrival." The focus of the entire season is the celebration of the birth of Jesus the Christ in his First Advent, and the anticipation of the return of Christ the King in his Second Advent. 

In our home, the Advent wreath was placed on the dining table and the candles lighted at meals, with Scripture readings preceding the lighting of the candles, especially on Sunday. A new candle is lighted each Sunday during the four weeks, and then the same candles are lighted each meal during the week. It provided the opportunity for family devotion and prayer together, and helped to teach the kids about the "reason for the season".  The kids where involved by lighting the candles, reading scriptures and saying prayers.

This is by far my favorite "tradition".  It really helps me to focus on the true meaning of Christmas and helps our family to focus on the reality of Jesus' birth and second coming.  

"For unto us a Child is born,

Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
Isaiah 9:6

Merry Christmas, my friends!

Love, 

Julie

Christmas Traditions #3

# 3  Baking With Momma

My kids LOVE to cook.  Especially my boys!  Every year, I make these AMAZING peanut butter cookies, with Hersey's kisses in the middle.  You've had them....they are little pieces of heaven.

ANYWAY.....it is the boys job to unwrap the little kisses.

When I was young, it was always my job to do that.  I remember being at my Grandma Mae's house and she would always let me have that important job. She'd always say, "Now, Julie, make sure that you don't eat TOO many.  We need them for the cookies!!"  I wonder how many actually got used on the cookies!

Then, after they where done, we'd eat one, with a cold glass of milk.

It's only fitting that I pass on the tradition to my boys!  

It's moments like these that I treasure.

Love,

Julie

We Are All Connected

A kind word.  A simple gesture.  We are all connected.
Take a moment to look around you.  

Whose life will you touch today?

Love, 

Julie

Christmas Traditions #2

# 2  Summer Sausage!!!!!

Every year, we make the short trek up north to Wisconsin to pick up summer sausage.  We LOVE eating this YUMMY sausage over the holiday.  Served with homemade cheeseball, is the PERFECT treat while playing games, watching Christmas shows or midnight snack. 

The sausage comes MITT or MITTOUT, which means with garlic or without garlic.
We get both.  My favorite is without garlic.  

I love the charming, unique character of this little family business.

What do you like to eat during the holidays?

Love, 

Julie

Christmas Traditions #1

In preparation and celebration of the Christmas season,
our family has some really cool family traditions.
So, for the next several posts, I will be sharing these with you.

#1  Christmas Ornaments

Every year, we buy the kids each a new Christmas ornament.  This was a fun tradition with John's family and when we had kids, we decided that we would continue it with our kiddos.  That way, when the kids get older and move out, they have Christmas ornaments for their own tree.

This is Lil' John's snowman.  The smile on this
little guy reminded us of Lil' John's smile!!  

This is Grace's sock monkey.  You see, Grace is crazy about sock monkeys.
 She loves them.  If it's a sock monkey, that girl wants it! :-)

This is Jeff's star.  He is a bright, shining star  in our family.  His energy and
 love makes this Momma's heart shine.

What are some of your family traditions around the holidays?

Love,

Julie