O Antiphons

I am going to link to a page here that explains the O Antiphons. This is the first year we have included this in our Advent. My family looked at me kind of weird, wondering where I am coming up with this stuff but learning the Catholic faith is teaching me that there is alot I do not know.  


An antiphon is a short sentence sung or recited before or after a song or canticle. Many times this is a Scripture verse.


The “O Antiphons” refer to the seven antiphons that are prayed before the Magnificat during Vespers of the Liturgy of the Hours. They cover the wonderful period of Advent preparation known as the Octave (or 8 days) before Christmas, Dec. 17-23, with Dec. 24 being Christmas Eve and Vespers for that evening being for the Christmas Vigil.

Today is day six of the O Antiphons:


O Emmanuel, Rex et legifer noster, expectatio gentium, et Salvator earum: veni ad salvandum nos,  Domine, Deus noster.


O Emmanuel, God with us, our Kind and Lawgiver, the expected of the nations and their Savior: Come to save us, O Lord our God.




http://maryellenb.typepad.com/o_night_divine/advent---o-antiphons-dec-17-23/


I think this website explains it very well and has great coloring pages, more like the one above, or just use as pictures to help teach your children the O Antiphons.  I printed them all out and we are praying them in the morning with our Advent devotions or in the evening before our meal and then I place them on the refrigerator. My son is a little too old for coloring so I just use them as pictures.


I thought I would add this website also.  http://fisheaters.com/customsadvent10.html


Happy 4th Week of Advent!!

December 6: Feast of St. Nicholas

Don't forget December 6th is the Feast of St. Nicholas. Here is a link to a great website with a lot of resources. Whether you homeschool or not it would be a good idea for your child to know of the true story St. Nicholas.
What I like hearing about is how he attended the Council of Nicea and played a role in the Nicene Creed we recite every Sunday.

We traditionally have our son put his shoes out by the fireplace and then I put something in them the night before for him in the morning. It has ranged from candy to small toys and lately since he has entered the teen years, a little bit of money. We could do stockings as that was supposedly part of the legend but we do shoes. For Christmas I will put the stockings out and maybe put a little something in them but since we do St. Nicholas Day I am not real big on the stockings.

I like remembering the real St. Nicholas.

Happy Second Week of Advent

Oh, what a beautiful season. I love this time of year.

Here is today's Gospel reading:

Gospel     Mk 1:1-8

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ the Son of God.


As it is written in Isaiah the prophet:
Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you;
he will prepare your way.
A voice of one crying out in the desert:
"Prepare the way of the Lord,
make straight his paths."John the Baptist appeared in the desert
proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
People of the whole Judean countryside
and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem
were going out to him
and were being baptized by him in the Jordan River
as they acknowledged their sins.
John was clothed in camel's hair,
with a leather belt around his waist.
He fed on locusts and wild honey.
And this is what he proclaimed:
"One mightier than I is coming after me.
I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals.
I have baptized you with water;
he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."

ADVENT

FIRST WEEK OF ADVENT 
MAY GOD'S BLESSINGS BE UPON YOU.


Well, I think the first day of the new translation of the Catholic missal went well, though, next to me in Mass this morning was an elderly woman who whispered to me she was too old for all the changes. I could tell she was having a hard time with the missal. I am very glad for the changes. It feels awesome to me to know we are speaking closer to what the Latin text is. I know many people disagree with this but I like following along in the missal and I think people would get more out of it if they would, too.


On another note, I put up my advent wreath and candles today.  I purchased the regular taper candles and decorated around them but I am considering purchasing the LED tapers. I have seen them at a couple of different web sites. I just think they would be a little safer. Plus I could let them stay lit for most of the day. I am going out tomorrow to see if I can find them in a store somewhere. Hope so.

I, also purchased a devotional for the season. It focuses on writings of St. Francis.  I hope  to use this every morning with my son.

http://www.amazon.com/Advent-Christmas-Wisdom-Francis-Assisi/dp/0764817566








I hope you all have plans to draw closer to our Lord this Advent. It is a most beautiful time of the year.

Epiphany Celebrates the Light

 It is traditionally celebrated the 12th day after Christmas, January 6th. In the dioceses of the United States this feast has been moved to the Sunday between January 2 and January 8.
That would be today. Happy feast of the Epiphany. I love this day. Mass is beautiful. The carols are still being sung and even though are not exactly Biblically correct tell the story of  the magi following the light. The light is, the omnipotent God, the king, the ruler of the universe.
This feast began in the third century in the East, later moved to the West. During Advent, we wait in darkness in the spirit of the Jewish nation, who waited for thousands of years for their messiah.  On the beautiful day of Christmas the Light comes to Earth, but only a few are aware. Those aware are Mary, Josheph and the shepherds but Epiphany is the day when the light is burst forth for all the world to see.
Today's reading  from the Old Testament states:
Is 60:1-6
Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem! Your light has come,
the glory of the Lord shines upon you.
See, darkness covers the earth,
and thick clouds cover the peoples;
but upon you the LORD shines,
and over you appears his glory.
Nations shall walk by your light,
and kings by your shining radiance.
Raise your eyes and look about;
they all gather and come to you:
your sons come from afar,
and your daughters in the arms of their nurses.
Then you shall be radiant at what you see,
your heart shall throb and overflow,
for the riches of the sea shall be emptied out before you,
the wealth of nations shall be brought to you.

Caravans of camels shall fill you,

dromedaries from Midian and Ephah;

all from Sheba shall come

bearing gold and frankincense,

and proclaiming the praises of the LORD.

How awesome. Today we can celebrate a wonderful prophecy being fullfilled. White is the liturgical color for today, again representing light.

Happy feast of the Epiphany.

Merry Christmas Everyone

I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. Today at mass we celebrated the feast of the Holy Family. The church was decorated so beautiful. Pointsettas and wreaths everywhere. The nativity scene was beautiful also. And on Christmas Eve Father blessed the manger. I remember in his prayer he said, "may whoever looks upon this nativity scene be blessed."  What an awesome thought. To look upon the place where Jesus was born. To look upon Jesus, Mary and Joseph and remember in our hearts how much God loves us that He sent His son to us to be born in a lowly manger. Now I have worked on farms before. I have slept in a barn before, not too far away from a horse. It is not always a pleasant sight or smell.  But God loved us so much. He sent the message of the birth of His son to the poor shepherds and the rich magi. He is not partial to  anyone's status in this world. He came for all. That is why I chose the song I did to be played on my blog. O Come All Ye Faithful.
As I listened to that song in church this morning and I heard the words, "Come Ye to Bethlehem," I thought when we look upon the manger scene, when we go to Jesus in that place, we are going to Bethlehem.
Here is a beautiful account of the first nativity scene set up by St. Francis:

St. Bonaventure (d. 1274) in his Life of St. Francis of Assisi tells the story:

''It happened in the third year before his death, that in order to excite the inhabitants of Grecio to commemorate the nativity of the Infant Jesus with great devotion, [St. Francis] determined to keep it with all possible solemnity; and lest he should be accused of lightness or novelty, he asked and obtained the permission of the sovereign Pontiff. Then he prepared a manger, and brought hay, and an ox and an @#!*% to the place appointed. The brethren were summoned, the people ran together, the forest resounded with their voices, and that venerable night was made glorious by many and brilliant lights and sonorous psalms of praise. The man of God [St. Francis] stood before the manger, full of devotion and piety, bathed in tears and radiant with joy; the Holy Gospel was chanted by Francis, the Levite of Christ. Then he preached to the people around the nativity of the poor King; and being unable to utter His name for the tenderness of His love, He called Him the Babe of Bethlehem. A certain valiant and veracious soldier, Master John of Grecio, who, for the love of Christ, had left the warfare of this world, and become a dear friend of this holy man, affirmed that he beheld an Infant marvellously beautiful, sleeping in the manger, Whom the blessed Father Francis embraced with both his arms, as if he would awake Him from sleep. This vision of the devout soldier is credible, not only by reason of the sanctity of him that saw it, but by reason of the miracles which afterwards confirmed its truth. For example of Francis, if it be considered by the world, is doubtless sufficient to excite all hearts which are negligent in the faith of Christ; and the hay of that manger, being preserved by the people, miraculously cured all diseases of cattle, and many other pestilences; God thus in all things glorifying his servant, and witnessing to the great efficacy of his holy prayers by manifest prodigies and miracles." Catholic Education Resource Center

The Christmas season has just begun. I know it is hard because of how everyone does Christmas today. Everything comes down after Christmas Day. I find that sad because it makes me think that it is just about the presents. "Okay, got my presents. Christmas is over."  But that's not right. It has just begun. I try every year to add more ancient traditions to my Christmas season, post presents. This year I am adding the white Christ candle to burn a little everyday until Epiphany and keeping my nativity scene up and decorated until Epiphany. I do try to leave the tree up also but take down some of my Santa Clause decorations a little every day.
Another benefit of celebrating Christmas until Epiphany is the stress of shopping, baking and cleaning are gone. Now is a great time to focus on Jesus.

O Come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.
 

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Cards

Christmas cards have been a tradition since the late 1800's.  From what I have read the tradition started in England. The first card apparently wasn't too well liked because of the portrait of a family sipping on wine and it included a young boy sipping also. Sir Henry had commisioned a man named John Horsely to design the card. Even though this Christmas card wasn't so well liked people began sending out Christmas cards after that anyway.

Americans, up until 1875, imported their Christmas cards from England. At that time a man named Louis Prang opened a printing shop and started the first line of Christmas cards in America.

I was in a store the other day and over heard a woman very loudy talking about sending Christmas cards.  She was telling someone she doesn't send Christmas cards to people she is going to see at Christmas. Now, I can understand what she is saying. If you're going to see someone on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day at the family celebration, do you need to send them a card. Maybe, maybe not.

I remember watching my mom when I was growing up writing out her Christmas cards. I remember getting those Christmas cards. Getting Christmas cards is something I look forward to every year.

I feel the Christmas card is a reminder of what is important this holiday season.  The beautiful scenes drawn on the cards give me a peaceful feeling. A reminder that this time of year is not just about presents and turkeys and cookies and decorations but about, well first Jesus and also about spreading love, joy and hope to people.

We live in such an impersonal world today, a card adds a little bit of closeness.

There are some people, especially the elderly that are lonely and watch for those Christmas cards. You might see them on Christmas but that card sends a little extra message. It tells them that you care. It tells them that you took the time to think about them, write down their name and address and mailed a little something to them wishing them joy for the whole Christmas season not just Christmas Day.

It appears to me that e-cards are becoming the thing, but you can't put them on a fireplace. They are easier. Sure some are cute but it just doesn't carry the same sentiment.

Yes, cards can be a chore. I find it a chore and it takes me some time to get them out but I also find it is a small gift that I can send to friends and family and let them know they are in my thoughts and as a Catholic Christian it is also a little way of reminding people of the real meaning of Christmas as it can get so lost in the hustle and bustle of shopping and cooking.

So, don't forget your Christmas cards:

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
Luke 2:12

Happy Second Week of Advent!

It's hard to believe this is the second week of Advent already. Our parish church is having a cookie exchange this coming weekend so I need to get busy baking some cookies. Hoping to find some new recipes.

I really enjoy the music sung at Mass this time of year. It is so beautiful.

Day 11

Today is day 11 in the twelve days of Christmas. I am going to start taking some decorations  down   :(
but leave up the most important ones until tomorrow. I usually like to leave up the manger scene, for sure, because that is what it is all about. The Christmas tree will stay but I have alot of other little things that need taking down.
What is  hard is that Christmas went very fast. Even with adding twelve extra days more than what the commercial world does it just seems short. I did notice that Hallmark has continued Christmas movies to play after Christmas. That was really great because some of the movies I only caught part of earlier because of so much busyness of shopping and baking and traveling.  What I really like is that at church on Sundays we will continue through the life of Christ. We will soon celebrate his baptism and then when we get to ordinary time we will continue through the life of Christ with other events that occurred and those  will help us grow spiritually until we come back around again next year to celebrate once again the birth of our Lord.

Epiphany and The Magi

Three kings, three wise men, the magi. It can be confusing. It really depends on the Bible version you use. I don't mean that one version means one thing and another means something else.  In Matthew chapter 2 is the story of the wise men coming to visit the child Jesus. Magi were members of a hereditary priestly class among the ancient Medes and Persians.  When I looked this up in New Advent  encyclopedia it stated several things:

" No Father of the Church holds the Magi to have been kings." 

 "The religion of the Magi was fundamentally that of Zoroaster and forbade sorcery; their astrology and skill in interpreting dreams were occasions of their finding Christ." 

 "The Gospel narrative omits to mention the number of the Magi, and there is no certain tradition in this matter. Some Fathers speak of three Magi; they are very likely influenced by the number of gifts. In the Orient, tradition favours twelve. Early Christian art is no consistent witness:

•a painting in the cemetery of Sts. Peter and Marcellinus shows two;

•one in the Lateran Museum, three;

•one in the cemetery of Domitilla, four;

•a vase in the Kircher Museum, eight (Marucchi, "Eléments d'archéologie chrétienne", Paris, 1899, I 197).  
The visit of the Magi took place after the Presentation of the Child in the Temple (Luke 2:38). No sooner were the Magi departed than the angel bade Joseph take the Child and its Mother into Egypt.
 
Okay, so I guess we can take from all this magi were wise men not kings, even though we sing , "We Three Kings."  We are not sure how many wise men came, we just know there were three different types of gifts. We also learn that they were wise in astrology, following the position of stars. Interpreting dreams probably means they knew to take serious what their dreams meant to go a different way in returning home.
 
I am not even going to try and say what the star was but here is an interesting article from Notre Dame University that investigates what the star was:   http://magazine.nd.edu/news/14219-finding-the-christmas-star.
 
According to Catholic Reference.net that star has been the emblem for the magi since the second century:  A second-century scene of the Magi in the catacombs displayed a star, "and in front of them was the star they had seen rising, it went forward and halted over the place where the child was."
 
So what can we take from this story. I take that God leads.  God doesn't care rich or poor. He loves us and finds ways to call us all. We have to decide to follow.

Happy New Year!

The other day I was shopping and remembered I needed to purchase a new calendar for 2010.  I purchased my calendar, brought it home and proceeded to take down the old one and hang up the new. What to do with the old calendar?  I threw it away.  As I did this I realized there were 366 days on that calendar.  I threw it away.  Hung up the new one. Old days were over. Time is past. New days are coming and each one a gift from God.
New Years is  a time to look back on the year past and reflect on our lives and our actions, behavior and spirituality but it is also a time to look forward.  A new year is beginning. We are getting older and becoming more mature, hopefully. We should always be working toward becoming a better person, getting rid of old bad habits and adding new good habits.
As the year is turning reflecting on our relationship with God should be of importance. What can we do in the new year to draw closer to Him, to better serve Him, our neighbor and family. Who in our lives needs us or needs help or just an ear to listen to them, how we can better serve others, to be there for them, to pray for their needs.
Frequently around this time of year people get a feeling of hope, like the turning of the New Year could bring in goodness and that pain and suffering might be over. It's a time to feel positive and optimistic.
I really don't do well with New Year's resolutions. I usually forget them soon after the year begins  but I hope to be always growing and changing and becoming a better person, wife, mother, daughter, child of God.

Ave Maria

Thus starts the Twelve Days of Christmas

This doesn't work out so much numerically now. In the USA and other countries Epiphany is now celebrated the first Sunday after New Years. Epiphany is the Sunday the Churchcelebrates the coming of the magi. In times past the twelve days of Christmas referred to the eight days from December 25 to New Years Day and the four additional days up to and including the eve of January 6, the original date of the Epiphany.

Celebrating the birth of such a wonderful Savior should last a while. So it is celebrated until Epiphany. I love hearing the Christmas carols continued after Christmas. It's like a celebration that continues and continues in your heart long after presents have been opened and forgotten.

The song The Twelve Days of Christmas isn't exactly what you would call a Christmas carol but it has an interesting history. I recently realized that people sing that song and do not know what it means or is supposed to mean.  I also, recently realized that people make fun of that song frequently because they do not know what they are singing about..

The story behind the song The Twelve Days of Christmas  could be fact or fiction, there is a lot of controversy over the history of the song. I find it helps me if I can put meaning to the song when I am singing it, otherwise it does seem silly.  There is some belief of Catholic Christian persecution in the 1500's to the 1800's in England causing parents to create a way for their children to remember certain aspects of the faith.
There are those that disagree and say the song  was just something created fun to sing. Other places I read say it started as a French song and the words were later confused. Whether the song was started out to teach tenets of the faith or just a fun song  it still works out as a fun way to teach the faith to children. When later on they  hear the song they can remember to put meaning to what they are singing and remember God and the wonderful gifts he sends us. It could also be a fun way to count down to Epiphany.
The songs gifts have  hidden meanings related to  teachings of the faith. The "true love" mentioned in the song isn't referring to an earthly suitor, it refers to God the Father.  The "me" who is the receiver of the presents in the song refers to every person baptized.  The partridge in a pear tree is Jesus Christ, the Son of God. In The Twelve Days of Christmas, Christ is symbolically presented as a mother partridge which feigns injury to decoy predators from her helpless nesting babies, much like Christ's sadness over what would happen to Jerusalem: "Jerusalem! Jerusalem! How often would I have sheltered thee under my wings, as a hen does her chicks, but thou wouldst not have it so..."

The other symbols mean the following:




2 Turtle Doves = The Old and New Testaments

3 French Hens = Faith, Hope and Charity, the Theological Virtues

4 Calling Birds = the Four Gospels and/or the Four Evangelists

5 Golden Rings = The first Five Books of the Old Testament, the "Pentateuch", which gives the history of man's fall from grace.

6 Geese A-laying = the six days of creation

7 Swans A-swimming = the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, the seven sacraments

8 Maids A-milking = the eight beatitudes

9 Ladies Dancing = the nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit

10 Lords A-leaping = the ten commandments

11 Pipers Piping = the eleven faithful apostles

12 Drummers Drumming = the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostle's Creed

Unto us a child is born

Wonderful,
Counsellor,
The Mighty God,
The Everlasting Father,
The Prince of Peace!!!

Merry Christmas

Christmas Eve Mass was beautiful. The Church was decorated with tons of pointsettas, wreaths and beautiful Christmas trees. There was a large manger scene and we heard awesome Christmas carols.
This morning I woke up to a wonderful Christmas with loving family that I am so blessed with and so grateful to our Lord for sending to me.

Today is the celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior. I cherish this time and this day. I hope and pray that every one out there has an awesome Christmas. As one of my favorite hymns says,"Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me."   Merry Christmas.

Fourth Sunday in Advent

This weekend is the fourth Sunday in Advent. Christmas is so close.  In the Gospel readings we hear Mary is going to visit Elizabeth. Elizabeth is pregnant with John. When Mary arrives  John leaps in Elizabeth's womb. Elizabeth knows she is the mother of the Lord.

Luke 1:43 - 45  And why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

For behold, when the voice of your greeting came to my ears, the babe in my womb leaped for joy.
And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfilment of what was spoken to her from the Lord."

Recently at a class at church we were talking about this reading. A comment was made that I really liked.
"Elizabeth was the one person who believed in Mary at first."

When we are burdened, down or moving in a direction in life we are not sure of and it seems no one believes in us or what we are doing  it is a great and wonderful thing to be able to seek out and  find that one person who who will believe and have faith in us. Sometimes all it takes is one person to nudge us on, one person  to keep us moving in the direction we need to go. Someone to say "keep on" when everyone else says "you can't."  Sometimes it is hard to find that person. We may  have to work hard to seek that person out. In Mary's case, during her time, she had Elizabeth.  Later it would be Joseph but he did not yet believe.   Elizabeth did.  Elizabeth believed what was going to happen to Mary because of what was happening to her and because of her faith in God.

Two women, cousins, friends, Mary and Elizabeth, knew something was going on. Mary went to help Elizabeth and during that time received companionship, friendship and encouragement. She, also, would give hope and encouragement to Elizabeth.  Two women, because of their great faith in God, could be the help and encouragement both of them needed.

God was at work in their lives and the lives of all those of the world. They were a part of something so great, so wonderful, bringing the Savior into the world and the prophet who would go before Him. John would be crying out, "Prepare the way of the Lord." Luke 3:4.

Third week of Advent

It's the third week of Advent. Gaudete Sunday it what it is called. It means to rejoice, we are getting close to the coming of the Messiah.

A couple of weeks ago we celebrated St. Nicholas Day. My family woke up with candy and coins in their shoes. Candy tastes good and money is nice to have to spend but it doesn't compare to the joy we should feel knowing that we have a Savior. Some one who loves us so much he came to  us so we could spend eternity with Him.

I have started cookie baking. I have made cut-outs and chocolate chip cookies. The chocolate chip cookies were from scratch, the cut outs were a mix that you added butter and eggs.  I also made some mint chocolate chip cookies that my husband calls "wham" cookies because you do not have to do anything but take them out of the package and bake them. I have found that the cookies made from scratch were the best. They had the best flavor and rose the best in the oven. So, I think for the rest of the season if I bake anything I will try to bake from scratch because that tastes best.

Advent

Advent, is the beginning of the new liturgical year. It's funny but I had heard the word liturgical a lot such as in liturgical year or a liturgical church but was never sure what it meant.  According to Pocket Catholic Dictionary the word liturgy means:  a public service, duty or work.... the official public worship of the Church.  So, when we start the liturgical year we are starting a new year of public or community  worship and since the liturgical year celebrates the birth, life death and resurrection of our Lord Advent is the beginning.  Advent is a time to prepare for the arrival of the Messiah.

Advent means coming. During this time we reflect back on the time of Christ's first coming and also remember and prepare for Christ's second coming..  Since the 900's Advent has been considered the beginning of the Church year. Traditionally the color of advent is purple, representing the penitential spirit. So, this is why the priest will wear purple and many decorations in the Church are purple.  This color also symbols hope.
                                                                
An advent wreath is a beautiful way to celebrate the Advent season.  Four candles, 3 purple and one pink are encircled by evergreens. The advent wreath symbolizes the time of darkness when people were awaiting the Messiah. Some say the four candles represent 4000 years from Adam and Eve until the birth of the Savior, 1000 years per each candle. The 3 purple candles represent prayer, penance and good works. The rose candle is lit the third Sunday of Advent. It's meaning is that the faithful have made it  halfway through Advent and they rejoice that the Savior is near to coming.  Of course, the light from the candles represent Jesus, the light of the world.


                                                          
                                                                                                          


I love this time of the year. The songs sung are so beautiful, such as, O Come O Come Emmanuel.
Christmas music can be heard in stores and shops everywhere. It's a lovely time of the year and I love putting up the decorations around the house. I love seeing other peoples decorations.  While I have lately been very bothered by the lack of anything good on t.v. at Christmas time there are many Christmas shows and movies that we love to watch. Of course, one that has to be watched every year is Merry Christmas Charlie Brown. I watched it as a child and continue to enjoy it now. My family likes it, too. I haven't gotten in to It's a Wonderful Life too much but plan to watch it this year.
In enjoying this time of lights and music and decorations I sometimes procrastinate at purchasing Christmas presents.  Something I think I should work on.       

Black Friday and Other Shopping Ideas

We got our newspaper on Thanksgiving and thought we might try doing a little Black Friday shopping. Early in the morning seemed exciting but after a while of searching the ads and searching the internet we found that we could stay in bed, get our sleep and find just as good of deals on line. then after a good breakfast we would head out and try a little shopping.  About 9 AM we left and made it to one store. It was Kohl's and I like Kohl's.  Apparently a lot of people like Kohl's. There were good deals and a lot of nice items we would like but in the end the line to pay for items caused us to leave. The line literally went 3/4 of the way  around the store. It was moving fast but we decided to wait until another day. So we left and did a couple of errands and came back home.  
It seems to me alot of people are going to be cutting back on Christmas. Cutting back on the amount of  money spent. Perhaps that is why searching for the best deals and best prices causes such great crowds. Though I know alot of people do love to shop in the hustle and bustle also.
There are other ways of cutting back on the amount of money one spends at Christmas.
Family Crafts http://familycrafts.about.com/od/giftstomake/tp/HomeMadeGiftIdeas.htm has
some neat ideas for homemade gifts. 100 ideas.  I remember when I was a young girl ( along time ago) in school we usually always  had a day where we made gifts for our parents.  As a homeschooling mom I hope to come up with some creative ideas this year of gifts that can be made by our family and given to friends. Sometimes it's the homemade gifts that come from the heart that mean the most. I know for me I find it very hard to throw away special gifts, cards and pictures my son has made.
Another place to find ideas to  help save on Christmas and to bring the true meaning of Christmas is an article found on Faith and Family's blog. The blog Simply Joyous tells of many ways to bring simplicity to Christmas and cut back on the spending. http://wbx.me/l/?u=http://faithandfamilylive.com/.
Focusing on what Christmas is truly about this year, the birth of our Savior, is most important and is what will last through eternity, not the stuff we buy at Kohl's or any other great store.

    

                    

Advent and Christmas

                                              

We bought our Advent candles, started decorating our home for Advent and Christmas. This is my most favorite season of all that is coming up. My son, who is 12,  loves it, too.  He is so excited about the tree and the decorations. He  helped me pick out an advent wreath and candles this year.   We set up our manger scene and try to have the people in route. We place them at varying places around the room. Of course, baby Jesus is not brought out yet.
The best part about having Christ in your Christmas and celebrating Advent is it takes away the hustle and bustle of the commercialism that has been placed on Christmas and takes away the stress and helps bring peace.
For me Advent is one of the best things about Christmas, besides the coming of our Lord, of course.