It's the annual Advent Calendar of Christmas Memories!
I've participated the past four years (2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012), but
this year, there are some new prompts, and the sequence has changed for
some old prompts used in previous years. For the latter, in some cases I'll
simply re-post, while in others, I will link to the older posts,
and - when applicable - post about something else that's at least
somewhat
related.
The prompt for today is: December 10 – Christmas Traditions.
So many of us have family traditions related to Christmas that we learned as children and we still keep to this day. Do you know how your traditions started – is there a “backstory” to each one? What about starting new traditions – how do you start and then keep the tradition going? Are there any traditions which you disliked and that you refuse to keep? Tell us about your family’s Christmas traditions and your memories of Christmases past.
In 2009, 2010, and 2011, I wrote about my dad's family celebrating St. Nicholas Day on December 6, and lighting the candles in an Advent wreath my son made. In 2012, I wrote about a new tradition for me--listening to a recording of myself and the choir I was in singing Handel's Messiah - back in 1987.
Here's an idea for a tradition I'd like to start - maybe when I have (little) grandkids (again): Instead of a paper Advent calendar, or one with pockets or containers for candy or little gifts, how about an Advent calendar of books to read?
photo far left from My Little Bookcase; photo above from Here Come the Girls
Buy or borrow at least 24 holiday-themed picture and/or chapter books (more if you want to celebrate the REAL Advent, which sometimes starts as early as November 27), and wrap each one up. You might do something like the pictures here, and stack them up in a tree shape, or stand each book up like a forest of little trees on a table or mantle.
If you are like me, you have a stash of favorite holiday books that sit in a box most of the year. You can recycle those, borrow some from the library (just be sure to get them back on time), and pick up new ones at garage sales and thrift stores (like your Friends of the Library book sale?). I'll write about some suggested titles in an upcoming post.
Each day, pick a book to read (either number the packages in the order you want to go, or choose randomly). You could also do this (with fewer books) as a 12 Days of Christmas activity between Christmas Day and Epiphany. If you need more ideas, check my Pinterest board!
© Amanda Pape - 2013 - click here to e-mail me.
The prompt for today is: December 10 – Christmas Traditions.
So many of us have family traditions related to Christmas that we learned as children and we still keep to this day. Do you know how your traditions started – is there a “backstory” to each one? What about starting new traditions – how do you start and then keep the tradition going? Are there any traditions which you disliked and that you refuse to keep? Tell us about your family’s Christmas traditions and your memories of Christmases past.
In 2009, 2010, and 2011, I wrote about my dad's family celebrating St. Nicholas Day on December 6, and lighting the candles in an Advent wreath my son made. In 2012, I wrote about a new tradition for me--listening to a recording of myself and the choir I was in singing Handel's Messiah - back in 1987.
Here's an idea for a tradition I'd like to start - maybe when I have (little) grandkids (again): Instead of a paper Advent calendar, or one with pockets or containers for candy or little gifts, how about an Advent calendar of books to read?
photo far left from My Little Bookcase; photo above from Here Come the GirlsBuy or borrow at least 24 holiday-themed picture and/or chapter books (more if you want to celebrate the REAL Advent, which sometimes starts as early as November 27), and wrap each one up. You might do something like the pictures here, and stack them up in a tree shape, or stand each book up like a forest of little trees on a table or mantle.
If you are like me, you have a stash of favorite holiday books that sit in a box most of the year. You can recycle those, borrow some from the library (just be sure to get them back on time), and pick up new ones at garage sales and thrift stores (like your Friends of the Library book sale?). I'll write about some suggested titles in an upcoming post.
Each day, pick a book to read (either number the packages in the order you want to go, or choose randomly). You could also do this (with fewer books) as a 12 Days of Christmas activity between Christmas Day and Epiphany. If you need more ideas, check my Pinterest board!
photo above from 365 Great Children's Books; photo below from Reading Confetti
© Amanda Pape - 2013 - click here to e-mail me.
The
Advent Calendar of Christmas Memories (ACCM) allows you to share your
family’s holiday history twenty-four different ways during
December! Learn more at http://adventcalendar.geneabloggers.com. - See more at: http://adventcalendar.geneabloggers.com/preview-advent-calendar-christmas-memories-2013/#sthash.yWHp32mQ.dpuf
The Advent Calendar of Christmas Memories (ACCM) allows you to share
your family’s holiday history 24 different ways during 24 days in
December! Learn more at http://adventcalendar.geneabloggers.com.
“The
Advent Calendar of Christmas Memories (ACCM) allows you to share your
family’s holiday history twenty-four different ways during
December! Learn more at http://adventcalendar.geneabloggers.com.” - See more at: http://adventcalendar.geneabloggers.com/preview-advent-calendar-christmas-memories-2013/#sthash.yWHp32mQ.dpuf
What a great idea! Think it would work with a stack of mysteries for me? LOL
ReplyDeleteDon't see why not! Thanks for commenting, Tracy!
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