Jesse Tree, advent, holiday traditions.

 I am sitting here on a gorgeous snowy morning.  Thanksgiving has waned and Christmas season is approaching. 

This blog post is more a personal post not a STEAM related post...religion is discussed...proceed with this in mind.  

My family has an "elf" named Jingles.  He is just a stuffed animal elf with a jingle bell in him.  YES a jingling bell that rattles quite loudly at 2 AM!  He has developed some friends over the years...like Merry Mint Pup and another little doll.  Each year he has a theme for his adventures...Games Reindeer Play and Making Magical Memories were the past two years.

This year's theme  is JOY - Jesus first - Others second - You last!

I hope to find some ALMOND JOY bars or JOY eggs later today as part of the introduction.

What are some of our plans or added adventures?

Well - we are doing a few family activities - like a color-able advent wreath.  This is from @Catholic Icing.  It was a dollar to download - but looks awesome and love helping out a fellow blogger!
Here is link to her printable - Advent printable link

Second, we are trying a Jesse Tree.  The challenge with this is that it changes year to year.  I printed several versions and tried to figure out which one our church was using...but decided on Holy Heros for three reasons...
1) it has a colorable option
2)It has the related reading on the ornament - no double printing or organizing at 2 AM
3)It starts on Day 2 which is a non school day and a quiet home day.  

Holy Hero Jesse Tree

Basically, you add one ornament each day with a symbol related to a bible story in preparation of Christmas.

So my husband is printing some items off and finding Jingles.  I have a "Jesse Tree" ready to hang tonight (I will be re-posting after adding pictures later tonight!)

Not sure what other fun Jingles will embark on but he is on Jesse Tree duty every night...

I hope to read the book that we got from Sunday School as well!  

Our goal is slow down and enjoy our time with our family. 

Hang on tight - 16 school days!!!