too early for Advent?

Ok, ok, I know, it's not even Thanksgiving yet, but over the last few years, I've kinda 'missed' Advent. Oh, we got going eventually, but by the time I actually remembered Advent, then got on-line, found some info, found some ornament patterns to make, etc.etc.etc.....well, I'd rather be better prepared (especially with the move coming up this season).

So for those of you who might benefit from some advance preparation - I found a few sites to help you out.

Advent for Evangelicals
This site is actually a blog. While it is a site specifically for Evangelicals (Protestants), she is mainly explaining things to Evangelicals due to our lack of these types of tradtions and celebrations. She acknowledges Catholics although I'm not sure about how accurate she is for Catholic traditions - she is just trying to get Christians celebrating Christmas in a more meaningful way.

Jesse Tree info
This site is actually the official site of the Diocese of Erie (ya, don't really know anything about them). I did download the reflections page and the small ornaments. With all I have going on this year, I decided to go simple and easy - so we printed them out today, I'll cut them, perhaps attach them to some cardboard and write the appropriate verse(s) on the back. Dh will read the Bible and the children will work together to put each ornament on the tree, one per evening, during our family devotional time - very cool!

Jesse Tree Family Devotions 2006
This site is from the Reformed Church in America (again, don't know a lot about them in particular). I think this is what I used as a basis for our Jesse Tree stuff last year. It was a bit more "intensive" in that I had to print, then color/marker/glue/whatever with the kids. While this was really great - it *did* take more time each day - and if we got busy, we ended up frantically trying to throw one together right before devotional time. But it is definitely a good site, gives verses and ideas of what to do with each particular night and ornament.


Ok, enough links for now (please add to this list if you have a useful page to share with us). Growing up non-denominational protestant, I don't undestand why some of these Advent calendars start this year on Dec. 3rd (Sunday closest to Nov. 30th) and why one that I have starts on Tuesday, Nov. 28th?? If you know why, please let us know. I really like the one I have printed out that starts on the 28th - but I don't know WHY it starts so early. I'll have to check out the site more indepthly....


Oh, and I also found an easy 'do-it-yourself' page for those who would like an Advent Wreath yet can't afford the expensive (although very nice) premade ones. It's also from the Advent for Evangelicals site. What I really like about it is it emphasizes the MEANING rather than all the particular traditions. I have ZERO money to spend on this - so I may have to use candles of another color other than purple and pink. She says "Who cares?" It's MY family, OUR traditions....it's better to be celebrating it than giving up because I don't have "the RIGHT" materials. Here's that page:

Make Your Own: Advent Wreath
I just need to find the greens (even if we use some live ones from outside) but I have everything else just from my home and in our decorations boxes (oh, I bet I have some fake greens in there too!).

Here is something I printed off - once you have made your wreath, here's a simple guide to actually USING it.

Enjoy, have some fun with your family and make Christmas meaningful - more than just for one day!!