Fresh Christmas

Creating New Advent Traditions for your Homeplace

December might be the one time of year I struggle to capture the essence of HOME. The days of Christmas are so heavily embroidered with memories—scents, sounds, and tastes from the past—now impossible to call back. Creating new patterns for the Advent season enables me to focus on the current holiday instead of trying to resurrect what’s out of reach.

Placing creche characters around the house helps me see them anew. Instead of arranging yours in the usual way this year, tuck them in unexpected spots where you’ll have time to ponder their roles in the greatest story of all. Steep some tea and consider the innkeeper’s plight.

Check the time and pray Mary’s prayer, then let me know if it made a difference in your celebration.

Homestyle Christmas Recipe - These cookies are an every-year part of our Christmas holiday—one I’m happy to share with you. Find the recipe and its story on my blog. Your house will smell like a bakery, and these make a sweet gift for friends and neighbors.

Let me know if there’s anything you’d like to hear about in these newsletters. Let’s keep one another company on a journey toward HOME.