Happy Monday, friends! Yesterday kicked off the Advent season with the first Sunday in Advent. This is always a special Sunday for me. It comes right on the heels of Thanksgiving and while it can seem sort of low and even feel like it gets lost in between the chaos of Thanksgiving Day and crazy Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping deals, it's never lost on me. The first Sunday of the Advent season sets the tone for all of Advent, so my family piles into the car and heads to church this day, so we can join together with our church in lighting the Advent candle and preparing our hearts for the birth of a tiny King.

We're decking the halls at home, yes- but why? Making our preparations for Christmas. In my home, I not only want a warm and cozy holiday vibe to enjoy with my family, I treat Christmas preparations as though I'm preparing for royalty to visit my home. I like to decorate early and then enjoy the gift of light in the darkness during these very dark days and weeks leading to Christmas.

You can celebrate Advent in many ways. 

Decorate your home as a family. 

Hang ornaments on your tree together, commenting on memories tied to ornaments from years past.

Add a nativity scene somewhere in your home. 

My family has several, each of them special. We place them in different areas, working them into our decor. My children seem to be most attached to these above all other Christmas decorations, and it makes my heart so very happy. It's always nice to have a children's toy nativity scene, like this one by Fisher-Price. That way, the kids can play with it, and even act out the story of Jesus' birth.

Light the advent wreath together. 

Do you have one? An Advent wreath consists of four candles. and each Sunday in Advent, you can light a candle as a family. You can sing a song, say a prayer, or whatever you like.

Go to church or visit churches. 

Going to church during the Christmas season is just so beautiful. It's a wonderful time to feel connected to your church family. If you don't have a church home, visit different churches in your city. Each one will surely bring joy to your heart.

Enjoy community concerts. 

Check out your community events and plan to attend a few Christmas concerts. Whether they're being put on by local colleges, schools, or churches, they will be a delight to experience!

Read an Advent Devotional.

Read a daily devotional during Advent, like this one. This will connect your heart and mind not only to Christ, but to others who share their experiences preparing for Christmas or commenting on scripture.

However you choose to celebrate the season, I hope you will take the time to enjoy it. Advent passes by so quickly!

Wishing you peace, joy, and light this holiday season!