We have begun our Advent break and, yes, I am already behind in our activities! Sunday was spent relaxing--and lighting the Advent wreath--and yesterday was a whirlwind! We did see a wonderful performance of the Nutcracker in the morning, spent a couple of hours with friends in the early afternoon, brought Ds#1 to choir practice after that, and then I was off to teach for the evening.
We are catching up, though! Advent mornings begin with reading The Jesse Tree by Geraldine McCaughrean. We then read the bible passages listed on the back of the Jesse Tree ornament and place it on the tree.
Next we are following the Advent Catechesis Reading Plan 2010 from Family in Feast and Feria. The plan is based on three beautiful and instructive books written by Inos Biffi and illustrated by Franco Vignazia. All three books are available through Family-Centered Media. The plan has us read An Introduction to the Liturgical Year over two weeks, adding in The Life of Mary during the second week, and then reading The Way to Bethlehem for the third and fourth weeks. Added to this are readings from Ethel Marbach Pochocki's books Saints of the Seasons for Children and Around the Year Once Upon a Time Saints. The former is used throughout all 4 weeks; though it is OOP it is readily available used.
The latter is available through Bethlehem Books, as well as Amazon.
I also downloaded the files for My Little Advent cards and companion calendar from Family in Feast and Feria, so I better print them out very soon!
Especially, let us prepare our hearts to celebrate the Lord's coming, and prepare our souls for Him to come again. Advent blessings to you all.
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2 comments:
I'm glad you found those helpful! I was printing out a large batch for a retreat, but it was very easy to send the file to Staples and print out on 80 lb cardstock (no extra charge for the heavier weight -- once it's cardstock, it's all the same price).
I also let the littles make their own rings, but cut out most of the cards so that there were only the six strips that they only had to cut them apart and then punch holes. Hole punching is a favorite activity!
I bought a pack of rings for stuff like this, though I really like your idea of using pipe cleaners (I have a bag of those around here somewhere, too.)
I was already a fan of Biffi/Vignazia and Pochocki books before you put the Advent reading together last year so I am so grateful that you put it together--it was a great reason to add a few more to my collection!
Thank you, again.
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