our first advent experience

this year, for the first time, we've decided to do an advent calendar with faith. instead of using one filled with candy or other treats, we've gone with a family activities theme! i didn't have the time or patience to craft a super fancy adorable calendar like this one or this one, and i certainly didn't feel up for sewing one like this, so i went with the "green" version and made little envelopes out of paper i had on hand (a lovely, random combination of wrapping paper and scrapbook paper) and just tucked them into a little basket.


it's not the prettiest advent calendar on the block, (and we're not doing the frosty one because we don't actually have that movie, despite what i thought when i put it in there, ha!) but it suits the purpose just fine!

tonight was our first night to open an envelope, which had "watch rudolph the red-nosed reindeer" inside, and since it's a family activity theme, we all cuddled up on the couch with ice cream and popcorn, turned out the lights, and watched the timeless tale of misfits finding out that they really do belong.

it was such a sweet time for our family to stop in the middle of our daily hustle and bustle, the push of end of the semester deadlines and looming holiday gift-making projects, and just enjoy being with each other. i didn't even interrupt us to take a picture to post on the good ol' blog, ha! it was just a lovely, lovely time for the three of us, and i'm really looking forward to all of the other activities we have planned between now and Christmas!