By Emily Saunders

Last Christmas my little guy was too little to notice too much about what was going on around Christmas.  He loved the lights and all, but otherwise he didn’t really care too much about presents, Santa and the like.  This year we’re just getting started with the holiday season and it’s already a whole new ball-game.

It’s easy to see how we can very quickly turn Christmas into a commercialized frenzy that encourages kids to focus strictly on material things and “what am I gonna get?”.  Adler can hardly string two words together and people are already asking him if he’s been a good boy and what Santa is bringing him…. Wow.

As parents we cannot constantly shelter our children.  Just like us they live in the world- it’s our job to teach them not to be OF the world.  Focusing on Advent and the true meaning of Christmas is a great way to start.

We asked our Momsanity Sisters about their favorite family-focused Advent Resources and they were so sweet to share!!!   So-here goes:

1.  FREE Advent Guide and Download from Focus on the Family.  This includes daily scriptures for family reading and reflection and can be used in conjunction with an Advent Calendar.   A perfect resource for families of all ages and includes activity options.

2.  Jotham’s Journey:  A Fictional story of a young man that tells the Christmas story.  Suitable for Elementary and Middle School Children.

3.  The Jesse Tree:  Create a daily craft/ornament along with your scripture and devotion.  All Ages.

4.  Felt Nativity Advent Calendar: Great for young kids combined with a book like Getting Ready for Christmas

5.  Little People Nativity Set:   Perfect for young children, this allows kids to learn hands on without breaking Mommy’s nativity.  Melissa & Doug also has a wooden option.

6.  Wooden Magnetic Nativity Calendar:  Perfect for kids of all ages!!

There are literally Thousands of Pinterest projects available as well, but each of these are somewhat simple and allow us to take a break each and every day to honor the true meaning of Christmas.  Through scripture, prayer, questions, and praise we can teach (and remind ourselves) that Jesus is THE Reason for the Season!!!