My daughter has been after me for a few days now to get the Thanksgiving decorations out. I have a little pilgrim woman and a little pilgrim Indian, a turkey or two, and a few harvest type things like scarecrows and gourds. I don’t really have that much. I found myself wondering why it means so much to her. We move every few years, and I think the consistency of our decorations for the holidays helps make each place feel like home. It’s part of our tradition, and traditions are comforting to children no matter how simple.
Our Christmas decorations are a bit more elaborate, though not fancy by any stretch. I like to buy Christmas decorations that say Joy to help us remember to be joyful during this busy season when we might otherwise tend to be cranky. I also try very hard not to get too busy. I also like to find Christmas decorations that focus on Christ. Last year, my children all made Lego decorations for their rooms. Anna’s was a nativity. I like that.
My favorite of the Christmas decorations we use each year is our Advent calendar. Each day, the children build add a person or an animal to our nativity scene. It took a long time to find an Advent calendar that focused on Christ. Ironic isn’t it?
We also actively look for ornaments and other decorations with stars. The theme of the Advent study that I use is Jesus is the Light of the World. So many of our crafts and decorations support that theme.
Joy is my favorite word and the keyword in my life verse– James 1:2-4