Happy New Year!  Happy new liturgical year that is. It is the first Sunday in Advent.  I'd like to say it was full of holy contemplation but the truth is I have been all sixes and seven's, my attention divided many different ways.  It snowed, however, which drew two little girls out into the late afternoon dusk to roll together a very twiggy, leafy snowman.

In true Austin Family fashion we complete approximately one bit of holiday preparation each day.  Today we hung wreaths in the front windows.  True to our family fashion, I keep finding one of them on the carpet. Darn generic command hook.  Another day we replaced the girls' curtains with a hand-me-down holiday lace set.  I love seeing the sunlight shine through the little stars and toys in the mornings. 

Maria Von Trapp's Where Did Advent Go?  popped up in my box this morning. It reminded me we are not 'behind' but rather have "weeks of preparation" for a reason.  These monumental "commemorations cannot be celebrated in a single day each. Weeks are needed."  This is always a good reminder.  It isn't just me.  It takes a long time. 

The other essay I read this weekend was from Waldorfish but the message is relevant to all those who incorporate ritual and festivals into their family rhythm. Along the same line of thinking I shared the other day, they pose excellent questions:

+ which of the festival options for this season will help us achieve that feeling?

+ do we need to do all of them? (seriously. do you?) 

+ is there one that resonates the most with our family's values?

+ how can I keep this simple?

+ what ONE or TWO activities might we do?

A very good read if you worry you are giving your children – or practicing yourself – a somewhat "less than experience."