Advent has begun, and before you know it: Christmas will be here! Don’t let this time pass you by without embracing and anticipating the coming of Jesus in a manger.
In this episode of Morning Air, Glen Lewerenz and Emily Jaminet talked about how to embrace Advent with your family while dodging the cultural Christmas chaos.
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🕯 Advent > Christmas Overload
Emily Jaminet, Catholic author, speaker, and mom of 7 kids shared pro tips on keeping the focus on Jesus:
Advent is for fasting, Christmas is for feasting. Slow it down. Don’t let the tinsel take over before its time!
Start each day with prayer. Yes, even if you’ve got toddlers climbing the furniture. It’s your anchor. 🛐
Make your home reflect peace and calm, not chaos.
📖 Advent Hacks for Families
Create a Christmas library 📚: Emily keeps a basket of Christ-centered children’s books under the tree. Perfect for cozy, screen-free nights!
Play the “Where’s Jesus?” game in stores. Spot nativity scenes and point them out to your kids to keep Christ in the picture. (Affirm stores that display nativities!)
Have a kid-friendly playable nativity set.
🎁 Reclaim the Gift-Giving Spirit
Emily’s golden rule: Give from the heart. Here are some Ideas…
Bake cookies or make homemade gifts with your kids. Even if they’re a little “Pinterest fail,” the love shines through. 🍪❤️
Focus on quality time: it’s what everyone remembers anyway, not the price tag.
Evangelize Gently
Offer little blessings like “Peace be with you” or “God bless you” to store clerks or servers. You’d be amazed how much kindness stands out in the Christmas rush. 🌸
Share Christ through love, not lectures. Nobody wants a Christmas Scrooge correcting their “Happy Holidays.”
🎄 Make It Personal
Emily’s reminder? It’s not about being perfect. The burnt cookies, messy tree, and late cards? All part of the charm. Jesus wants your heart, not your Pinterest-worthy decor.
So, grab your family, your favorite Christmas hymn (Emily loves the traditional ones!), and your Advent wreath. Let’s prepare for Jesus’ birth with peace, joy, and a little more grace this season. 🌟
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