Advent 2011: The Gift of Family

Christmas time is a great time for reading.  With so many cold, dreary days, it is the perfect time to grab your favorite story, sit by a fire and help your angel develop a love of books.

In our family, we began a book tradition a few years ago that I hope lasts generations.  It began when my parents bought one of the Hallmark Record-a-books.  These books are designed so that a person can read the book aloud and record themselves. Once the recording is complete, your angel can sit and listen to grandma or grandpa from Kalamazoo read them a bedtime story… any time that they want. What a great way to preserve the voice of a loved one?!  My angel loved this book so much that, even in July, I heard my father’s voice reading “Twas the Night Before Christmas” over and over again.  Family is a blessing from God; and, to capture a moment like this forever is like putting time in a bottle.

This Christmas, bring back the tradition of reading.  Whether you all sit together while someone reads a picture book aloud or you record-a-book, take the time to read together.  Someday, you will be glad that you did!

Christmas Adventus Day 14:  Today, place a new book, an iPod recording of a book, or a Record-a-Book in advent bag #14 or under the tree.  During advent time, gather together and read Christmas books to one another.  Take advantage of this opportunity to include relatives who might live far away.  Use the phone, internet etc. and have them read to your angel.  Make a memory to last forever!

To see a list of our favorite Christmas books, visit our Christmas Adventus 2011 page.

For our other Advent activities, see "Christmas Adventus 2011: Celebrating Allergy-Free".

Peppermint Tea

This time of the year, most of us cherish the quiet moments when we can curl up with a warm mug of cocoa... and maybe a book.  But, for our angel, one sip of the milk-based, cocoa bean laced drink would end up in a medical disaster only rivaled by a bite of peanut butter!

So... this time of the year, in our house, we curl up with a warm cup of peppermint tea.  It is simple, soothing... and a great Christmas alternative to cocoa!




Peppermint Tea

1-2 sticks  Bob's "Sweet Stripes" Peppermint Sticks
6 oz warm water
1 festive mug

1. Place the peppermint stick in the mug.
2. Pour 6 oz warm water into the mug and stir the stick around until melted.

* Makes one cup of tea


NOTE:  For those who can safely drink tea, place 1/2 teaspoon oolong tea leaves into a diffuser.  Soak the diffuser in the cup with the peppermint for about 5 minutes or until  fully steaped.

Allergy note:  Bob's soft peppermint sticks and soft mint candies are made in a facility which only produces that product.  The ingredients are: sugar, peppermint oil

Advent 2011: Our Elf Story

How does Santa
do this?!

Since I was gifted a copy of the first publication of “Elf on the Shelf”, I have been a devoted fan.  That year, our elf joined the family and, even before we were blessed with little angels, began making an appearance for the holidays.  Hanging around in unsuspecting locations and getting into mischief… our little elf is an extension of this family and a big part of our holiday fun! 

But, this is a special year, indeed!  Our elf has made it to the big leagues with her appearance an extra in the new movie, “An Elf Story”.  The movie has already aired twice on CBS but, if you are like us, you missed those public viewings.  Our elf, recognizing the dilemma and wanting to share her new fame, brought us a copy for a private showing in our living room…. complete with hot chocolate and peppermint tea for all!

Christmas Adventus Day 13: Ask your elf to place a copy of “An Elf Story” under the Christmas tree…. You might even ask your elf to put some safe peppermints for Peppermint Tea or some hot cocoa in  advent bag #13 to enjoy while you watch!  For those who don’t already have an elf of your own, you might think about adopting one from Santa's Store or finding an Elf on the Shelf adoption center near you.  Once you have your elf, give him/her a name and register it online to make the adoption official.

For tonight’s advent, check your bag to see if your elf left a Christmas treat in your advent bag or a copy of “An Elf Story” under the tree.  If so, get into your PJ’s, heat up some water for that safe Peppermint Tea or hot cocoa, and curl up in a blanket to watch “An Elf Story” for this evenings advent celebration.

For more fun with your elf, see what other elf activities we have going on at Christmas Adventus 2011.

For our other Advent activities, see "Christmas Adventus 2011: Celebrating Allergy-Free".