It doesn’t need to be perfect - Finally, remember that it doesn’t need to be perfect to be worthwhile. Try some more interactive ways to engage your child in the nativity story and themes instead. For example, there’s little point planning a detailed daily bible reading if you have a child with ADHD like I do. For example, why not try an audio advent devotional while you’re on the school run or commuting to work?įit it to your family - Do also bear in mind your own specific family dynamics. Think outside the box - If you are already time-stretched, think about some advent alternatives that you can listen to ‘on the go’. Don’t worry about what everyone else is doing. Keep it simple - Remember that it’s better to choose to do just one thing and to do it consistently, than to overcommit by trying to do ‘all the things’ and failing fast. I have included a few of my personal favourites below - but before you delve further into this list below, here’s a few things to bear in mind: There are so many different advent resources available these days - from books, bible plans, podcasts/audio series, videos, candles, creative family kits and other resources for kids - that it can be hard to know where to begin. I find that this simple practice of letting go of things we no longer use, not only makes more space in our home, but also more space in my heart too. This might be making Christmas cookies and blessing elderly neighbours with them, donating some warm clothes to a homeless shelter, or buying extra food during our supermarket shop to donate to our local foodbank.Įvery year as December approaches, I also like to make some extra space by having a good clear out - whether that means giving away some clothes that my so has outgrown, or donating some old toys to a local charity, where they can be recycled or shared with other families in need. I’m also keen to plan some simple acts of giving that we can do together as a family, as it helps remind us all that Christmas is not just about what gifts you get! It’s also a season to give. Working through the Christmas nativity story as bedtime readingĪt age 8, my son is just starting to show some interest in learning about the nativity story this year and there’s so many wonderful resources available to help really bring this story alive for kids - even kids with short attention spans like he has.ĥ. And it’s so easy - you can literally do it ‘on the go’ using the notes app on your phone whenever you find a spare 2 minutes.Ĥ. I find this to be such a useful practice as it helps to keep me centred in a season that can become so easily marked by materialism, comparison and greed. I will aim to write 3 different things I am thankful for every single day during advent. Keeping a daily gratitude list in my journal or on my phone. And in this respect, I’m realistic, not aiming for perfection… if we manage this in 50% of our family evening meals, that’s a win for me.ģ. Mealtimes are a good focal point for short family discussions and reflections about our day, as well as a good chance to pray, as it’s when we are all gathered together anyway. Lighting a simple advent candle at our family evening meals each day. I am also going to invite other women in my church small group to join me so that we can keep each other accountable and on track, as well as to discuss it together when we meet.Ģ. That might mean pausing other books that I am reading or audio books I am listening to, and reading some advent related content instead. 1. Using a short advent bible study/devotional plan as a focus for my day.
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