I came up with making a clothesline of Advent envelopes. Ella and I painted a coin envelopes and put countdown dates on them. In each one, I put a message about the Christmas story (e.g., Mary and Joseph rode on a donkey looking for a place to stay) or about Jesus (e.g., Jesus cares for all people and animals). On the back of each message, I wrote something that Ella should do (e.g., Find the manger in your house and name all of the people in the scene; Bake cookies and visit/share them with an older neighbor; or Pick out and wrap presents for kids who won't get any for Christmas this year). The envelopes also have little treats like candy or a note to find a little present under the tree, like a cross bracelet, Christmas pencil, manger coloring book, or mini cross.
So far Ella has been looking forward to opening her envelope each morning and I am hoping that it will encourage us to focus on the religious and community spirit of Christmas.
starting to paint the envelopes
admiring her work
letting the envelopes dry
the envelopes hanging at Baba and Pappy's ready to open on the first day
standing next to the chocolate Advent calendar and our envelope line
"Can I open this one now?" The envelopes on the clothesline in the upstairs' hallway
You are teaching her well...but you also teach by example...you and rob are the MOST generous people...buying and wrapping gifts for underprivileged children....preparing and serving food to the homeless...Ella will see her parents doing kind works of mercy and learn so much from your example! Therein lies the essence of good parenting.
ReplyDeleteBoth Rob and you are so smart in teaching Ella the true meaning of Christmas. "Giving, Sharing and helping others. You both are true example of being the beat of the best as far as parenting goes. Ella is so lucky to has the best!!!!
ReplyDeleteJen, I LOVE this idea. That is so creative, and meaningful. Ella will have a special tradition to carry on to her children someday too! Great idea-and so beautiful too!
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