Day 58 of 365 - Advent Activities
Do you remember Advent Calendars? When our children were young, we would buy them the kind that had a little chocolate behind each window counting down to Christmas Day. You can still buy that type, though there are higher end versions available now. There are also many different variations on the countdown theme, from larger wall mounted hangings with pockets for a little toy or treat for each day to crafting kits of different types.
The type of Advent Calendar which I have used the past few years is an online one which I purchase and load onto my computer. It is from the Jacquie Lawson e-card company in Britain. The setting for the calendar changes each year but there are always picturesque scenes, and a street with various buildings which can be visited and a home. Each day has an ornament to click on which will take you to an animated event in the scene. There are games and puzzles which can be played at any time.
If you are frazzled from a day of shopping, you can play an ornament smashing game. Or there is tic tac toe, or a card matching game, or a marble game. You can create your own snowflakes or decorate a tree to your own taste. On the bookcase in the home, there is a book for each day of the calendar which will share some interesting facts about the location. You can also create your own family crest. I like the variety of choice to keep things interesting. This is obviously a calendar with more traditional activities, which suits someone of my vintage.
Another upcoming seasonal activity which I enjoy a lot is tomorrow evening. On the first Sunday evening of December, one of the larger churches hosts a carol service. There is a massed choir and often also a children's school choir. But, the big highlight is that the Salvation Army brass band also accompanies the organ and choirs, as well as doing some pieces on their own. With the acoustics of a high church dome ceiling, the sound is wonderful!
Whether you sing along or not, it is a delight for the senses. I usually sit in the balcony with friends where we can view the whole band and the choirs. It's a lovely way to start the season, inspired by orchestral accompaniment. Since it is a church service there are also several seasonal scripture readings too. The music is interspersed between those.
That church is also located in the downtown near a central park which is always highly decorated for the holiday season. All the large evergreen trees are strung with colored lights. Other decorations are placed at ground level along with a Santa house. There is also a skating rink, weather permitting. We walk by this park on our way to and from the carol service.
I always come home from that evening feeling like the season has now begun in earnest. It reminds me of the traditional meanings of Christmas and is a welcome respite from the other frenzied preparations. It's a boost to my holiday season vitality, along with the fun of the advent calendar.
The type of Advent Calendar which I have used the past few years is an online one which I purchase and load onto my computer. It is from the Jacquie Lawson e-card company in Britain. The setting for the calendar changes each year but there are always picturesque scenes, and a street with various buildings which can be visited and a home. Each day has an ornament to click on which will take you to an animated event in the scene. There are games and puzzles which can be played at any time.
If you are frazzled from a day of shopping, you can play an ornament smashing game. Or there is tic tac toe, or a card matching game, or a marble game. You can create your own snowflakes or decorate a tree to your own taste. On the bookcase in the home, there is a book for each day of the calendar which will share some interesting facts about the location. You can also create your own family crest. I like the variety of choice to keep things interesting. This is obviously a calendar with more traditional activities, which suits someone of my vintage.
Another upcoming seasonal activity which I enjoy a lot is tomorrow evening. On the first Sunday evening of December, one of the larger churches hosts a carol service. There is a massed choir and often also a children's school choir. But, the big highlight is that the Salvation Army brass band also accompanies the organ and choirs, as well as doing some pieces on their own. With the acoustics of a high church dome ceiling, the sound is wonderful!
Whether you sing along or not, it is a delight for the senses. I usually sit in the balcony with friends where we can view the whole band and the choirs. It's a lovely way to start the season, inspired by orchestral accompaniment. Since it is a church service there are also several seasonal scripture readings too. The music is interspersed between those.
That church is also located in the downtown near a central park which is always highly decorated for the holiday season. All the large evergreen trees are strung with colored lights. Other decorations are placed at ground level along with a Santa house. There is also a skating rink, weather permitting. We walk by this park on our way to and from the carol service.
I always come home from that evening feeling like the season has now begun in earnest. It reminds me of the traditional meanings of Christmas and is a welcome respite from the other frenzied preparations. It's a boost to my holiday season vitality, along with the fun of the advent calendar.
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