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".

Advent 2011: God With Us

Every good and perfect gift is from above,

coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights,

who does not change like shifting shadows."

James 1:17, NIV

 Tonight we are going make a shadow puppet show.  Remember those salt dough figures that you made?  And, the manger?  Gather those together and let's get started!

Christmas Adventus Day 12:  Today, place your salt dough angel and a flashlight in the advent bag.  Gather together the following materials:  salt dough figures, manger, flashlight for puppet show, flashlight for narrator, Bible, a light colored wall

Begin the night by asking your angels to remove shine a flashlight on the wall.  You can prop it on some pillows so that no one needs to hold it still through the entire "show".  Turn off the lights and hold your salt dough angel in front of the light so that a shadow shines on the wall.  Read James 1:17.

Tell your family that you are going to use your salt dough figurines to create a  shadow puppet show.  One person will be the narrator, or you may rotate the narrator with each section of the story.  The narrator will read a segment of the story aloud.  While the narrator reads, others will use the figures to interpret the story.  For example, if the angel appeared to Mary, you may have a shadow of Mary waiting and when the story says that the angel appeared to Mary, the angel comes into the shadow picture.   Be creative and have fun interpreting the story.

The verses that you will need for your story are located on our Christmas Adventus 2011 page for December 12th.



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

Advent 2011: Let Compassion Shine

"Light shines in the darkness for the godly.

They are generous, compassionate, and righteous."

 Psalm 112:4, NLT

I am always amazed at the things my angel teaches me.  It is never in those planned chats but rather those unexpected moments that arise between a parent and a child, in the most odd situations, when I am reminded to look at things anew.

Today, we were blessed to spend the day with friends at a nearby amusement park.  The day went as you would expect, a ride here, a photo op there.... and then, as we road in circles on one of those cars that require peddling, my angel says to me, "Don't worry, mom, you don't need to peddle.  I will do all of the work because you have been sick."  Wow!  What compassion!

This week, I have been sick with the flu that triggers the asthma then settles in the chest and requires oodles of medication just to keep up with daily tasks.  So, obviously, peddling those little car things was not at the top of "things I should today" list.  But, I never told my angel that I should not peddle; I have not stopped doing any of my normal activities this week.  I just keep on trucking and puffing my way through.  But... compassion....  My angel knew, it was clear with each winded breath, that some things take more effort for me than usual.  What observation - to see my need and to have the compassion to help!

Isn't this why God sent Jesus?  His compassion. He saw our pain and our needs.  He knew that no matter how hard we work, we will fail.  Isn't this why we are not alone?  Isn't this why Jesus came to die? His compassion.

God shines His light on us so that we can reflect it into a struggling world.  A reflection of His generosity, compassion and righteousness.  This week, let His light shine!

Christmas Adventus Day 11:  Place a grocery store gift card in today's advent bag.  Follow the script for Christmas Adventus 2011, December 11 to help your angels gain a better understanding of compassion.




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