advent + some favorite things
brown paper packages tied up with string.... and a cup of piping hot coffee
It’s here. My favorite time of year has finally arrived and is in full swing. The twinkling lights, the smell of gingerbread, the music, the fire blazing in the fireplace, and all the classic Christmas movies - these are just a few of my favorite things about the holiday season.
When you think of the holidays, what are some of your favorite things? Is it driving through neighborhoods to enjoy the decorated houses and yards? Sipping eggnog? Is it the nostalgia of the 1990’s JC Penny catalog? The glow of the tree? Maybe it’s the hot chocolate that seems to taste extra sweet when it’s two weeks before Christmas Day. There are plenty of things to enjoy. Maybe it’s just me, but the Sound of Music’s “My Favorite Things” should have a verse solely dedicated to Christmas joys. Maybe something like…
Christmas tree farms and glass ornament making,
Cozy wool blankets and holiday baking,
Cards in the mailbox the kind Postman brings,
These are a few of my favorite things.
Gingerbread houses with peppermint icing,
Hot apple cider and Black Friday pricing,
Carols that children light up when they sing,
These are a few of my favorite things.
There is a lot to think about this time of year amid all the planning and preparing. The holidays can definitely bring many different emotions. For me, I spend time remembering past Christmases: the sweet Christmases, the bittersweet Christmases, and the very bitter Christmases. each year, I consider how my taste in Christmas carols have evolved as I’ve gotten older. I wonder if it’s going to snow. I anticipate the laughter that will ensue when the family is all together.
I always think about the first Christmas, reflecting on what Mary must have felt as she labored and pushed God incarnate out of her womb. I marvel at all the details we are given about the birth of Christ, and I wonder when the second Advent will arrive when we will finally see Him face to face.
Whatever your holiday looks like - however busy it may be - I hope you will carve out time to think on the best thing, the greatest thing, and that is the reason we have a Christmas to begin with. This is a joyous time that is worthy of celebration regardless of any circumstance we may be in.
The story of Jesus is good news of great joy, and it all started at Christmas.
Some favorite things…
My Advent playlist. There’s nothing like the music of Christmas. To keep my perspective this holiday season, I put together a playlist that directs my heart to relish the wonder of the incarnate birth. Hint:: It is best listened to in order. Joy Has Dawned (Advent)
Soup and such. It’s not only the holiday season, it’s also soup season! This Creamy Sausage and Spinach Soup was a huge hit with the family and an absolute breeze to make. It was ready in 30-minutes and was the perfect choice for a cold night. On the heels of that success, I tried a second new recipe. This Cranberry Rosemary Chicken was full of flavor and one of my new favorites! Pair it with fresh green beans and whipped potatoes. You can thank me later.
Christmas reads. I have been ambitious this year. Or is it indecisive? I dunno. Nevertheless, I couldn’t settle on just one Advent devotional, so I am making my way through three Advent devotionals this season. As of now, I’m unsure which is my favorite.
Emmanuel: An Invitation to Prepare Him Room by Ruth Chou Simons.
The Christmas We Didn’t Expect by David Mathis.
The Advent of Glory by R. C. Sproul
Family game nights. I always enjoy the nights when we pull out a board game or a deck of cards and spend time playing together. There are usually some squabbles to break up and competitive spirits to reign in, but it is always a joy to watch the kids learn strategy and to hear them laugh. Lately, one of my favorite games has been Cryptid. If you have never played, it’s definitely worth checking out.
My children’s laughter. Seeing my kids goof off in the living room is becoming more and more meaningful to me as they get older. Last night, I finally got them to recreate an older picture from my youngest’s first Christmas (see below).
Copycat Medicine Ball Tea. Truly a soothing drink no matter how you feel. The Medicine Ball has become one of my favorite things to make.
Heated blankets. One of my favorite things is sliding into a warm bed on a cold night. This heated blanket is a fantastic choice that will keep you toasty.
Articles. There have been some wonderful articles published lately by fellow sisters and bloggers. When God Feels Unsafe from the Journeywomen blog and Like Mama, Like Son: Facing Anxiety Together by Brittany Allen are two of my recent favorites. Additionally, I am enjoying this blog series from our youth pastor. This post in particular, On Ruth and Living for God Through Christ, is a timely reminder of God’s providence.
Walks. The air is getting colder, but it isn’t too cold to enjoy a walk. Many days, on my lunch break, I will head to a nearby park and listen to the audio Bible or a good audiobook as I spend time walking. It is becoming a cherished time for me.
2015 > > 2023
Wishlist
This coffee mug by Sola Gratia Co. is on my wishlist this year because, who doesn’t love pancakes OR Spurgeon?!
Next year, our church body will focus on the theme of fellowship. Wholehearted has a stunning Community Companion that I have been eyeing for weeks.
There are few things as comforting as a good sweatshirt in the wintertime. This fall, I finally started watching Gilmore Girls (I know, I know, I’m always late to the game). I spotted this GG sweatshirt recently and fell in love!
The book, Christ and Creed by Nate Pickowicz, is on my “to-read” list for 2024.
This Dwell necklace from The Daily Grace Co. is a beautiful piece with a needed reminder of Colossians 3:16, Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly...”
New on the blog
Recently:
Between the Two Advents, my latest blog post
From Christmases Past:
An Ebenezer Christmas
Come and See What God Has Done
To the Single Mom at Christmas
A Thrill of Hope
”Love” With Us
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