Advent Countdown

How do you count down to Christmas? 

Do you do an Advent Calendar?  Do you do a paper chain?

Up until about now, we've always done some little goodies in a pocket or box for each day AND a paper chain, but it's always been hard to keep up. 

Somehow, one more little thing is just one little thing too much during this season of preparation and celebration.  Even the kids couldn't keep up with it!  We'd have days where we ripped 3 or so paper links off. 

One of my favorite count downs was the year my mom gave the kids 25 individually wrapped books.  That countdown was a sure thing, we read a picture book to both kids every night then.  Now they read nightly on their own, but we still have those picture books out on display, in case the need arises. 

Here is it the fifth day of December,  no paper chain has been made, the house is almost decorated, but I still haven't unearthed the advent goodies holder. 

I have a better idea this year.

While listening to Emily P Freeman's podcast "The Next Right Thing" this week, (it comes out every Tuesday, something to definitely look forward to Tuesday for!) she mentions quiet reflection and it inspired me.  I won't say anymore about her episode, you absolutely need to listen to her podcast, I promise you will enjoy it, but it sparked an idea. 

What if in all of this rushing around, trying to hit all of the targets and cover all the bases, what if we are really missing out on something more important?  What if we're wearing ourselves out just for the sake of overdoing it?  Remember that old saying, "It's the thought that counts"?  Have we forgotten to slow down and think?

What if the best way to prepare for Christmas and celebrate advent is daily quiet reflection? 

I found one of those Pinterest pins of "99 Questions to Ask Your Kids After School Besides How Was Your Day" or something like that, and have started asking them at least a couple most every day.

Both kids LOVE it. 

It always sparks conversation that goes in many directions and hopefully, they both leave the snack table feeling heard. 

So thinking of advent, and daily questions, and thoughts to share, I pulled together a list of questions. It can be for grownups to ask themselves in a moment of peace and quiet, to share at the table after school with the kids over snacks, or to talk about with the spouse after the kids are tucked into bed.

You can find a printable version here:

Advent Thoughts PDF

It's a PDF to download and print (all black and white, it's truly not fancy or perfect...but might be useful). 

You can pretty it up if you wish, or have the kids do it, or don't do it at all.  They can just sit in a stack somewhere clean and dry where they won't be forgotten.  I had a few minutes and since creating is life giving to me,  I cut mine to fit into a berry basket I already had and added some washi tape.  You can do as much or little with them as you like.  I hope you enjoy!

Wishing you happy thoughts, peace and calm, and hopefully a little time to yourself to put your feet up!  -Cara