Pages

Friday, December 5, 2014

Slowly

::The nativity sets have come down from the attic, and we are figuring out which are safe for the babies (none of them).
::We have been gathering together each evening, reflecting on the gospel reading for the day, lighting a candle, singing a few Christmas carols (which means our candles and Carol book are still gracing the table when we're gathered for breakfast in the morning!),
and opening a single day of the Advent calendar (and one of the little baggies, which contain an ornament each).
::We have no Christmas tree yet, but the Advent star is up, and there are always blankets around the house which are crinkled with use.
::Or in use, depending on the moment you catch them.
::There are Christmas things appearing here and there, including Christmas cards, which we've started gathering on our mantle.
::Oh, there's Spiderman.  He has a way of making appearances in our house.
::I have strung up some twinkle lights in the basement, and finally sewed a cover for the TV, which makes hanging out down there so much more pleasant in the evenings.

Slowly, slowly, we are starting our preparations.  Once there was a day when I would spend a day doing a decorating blitz at the beginning of Advent.  Driven largely by necessity, we have shifted to a more gradual approach, and it's actually grown on me.  Every day we prepare the house and our hearts a little bit.  Perhaps it is hanging a decoration, baking a few cookies, or spending time in prayer.  For the time being it means there is a feeling of things being in progress, imperfect.  But isn't  that the nature of life?  We are enjoying each day of it.

12 comments:

Margo said...

yes, I am so with you on the SLOW approach to Advent and Christmas. It gradually warms up around here, too, and I love seeing the kids notice more things when they come home each day from school.

Clever TV cover - I really like that approach!

Adele said...

I can only imagine this will be a very special Advent for your family! :-)

Unknown said...

Lovely! And the TV cover will help with cheating during Headbandz ;) Love you all!

Adele said...

Oh my goodness, YES! Although don't you know, Sophie *didn't* see the reflection in the TV. :-) Love you too!

One and Doll said...

We are the "do it in one day" mentality around advent---but in the "a little bit at a time" mentality around christmas DURING advent...I love the evening rituals are finally meaningful to our girls...I imagine that Z, Lilly and Hugo are all into the rituals...

Oregon-Mama said...

So so beautiful, Adele. Your posts and photos are always so inspiring and enchanting and warm. Just today I was actually thinking of your post from a few years (?!) ago when you baked the orange slices and strung them up! Our neighbor's family has a large orchard and he brought us a big box of oranges that are ripening faster than we can eat them! I think I'll bake some tomorrow:)

Peter said...

Sophie and I enjoyed your post. Looking forward to seeing you soon!

Peter said...

Adele - for those who are not on FaceBook did you post your family Christmas pictures anywhere else?

Adele said...

I'm with you, their interest and involvement give our Advent rituals such a beautiful energy. I can only imagine the same is true for junia and Miriam!

Adele said...

Your family inspires me too! I'm so impressed you have remembered that all this time. You'll have to post a picture and show how they turn out! :)

Adele said...

Can't wait to see you guys too!! We're all so excited!

Adele said...

Yes! I'm sure I'll post them here, or I can get Ben to show me how to share them with you guys. :)