http://upperscvii.wordpress.com/2006/12/01/the-bishop-or-the-grinch-an-advent-blog/ Just another WordPress.com weblog Fri, 17 Jul 2009 19:04:19 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 http://upperscvii.wordpress.com/2006/12/01/the-bishop-or-the-grinch-an-advent-blog/#comment-122 Pamela Monahan Thu, 14 Dec 2006 11:06:38 +0000 http://upperscvii.wordpress.com/2006/12/01/the-bishop-or-the-grinch-an-advent-blog/#comment-122 We never really held back Christmas growing up, except with the nativity scene. As far as advent went I only remember it in the form of advet calendars-- some years we'd each get our own and some memorable years my dad would buy one with chocolate pieces in it and every third day (I'm one of three sisters) I'd get one. But until we were teenagers, we always celebrated the 12 days of Christmas and it was the most wonderful thing. And actually, starting when I was seven or so we would open one-- just one-- present Christmas eve night which really built up anticipation. It had to be a small one. Then we had the normal outpouring of gifts on Christmas. Then on each of the 12 days we got something small-- an ornament, a candy bar, a fancy pencil or pen. It was never anything big, but we got presents far longer than any of our friends. It is my favorite "Christmas tradition" of my childhood. And I plan on continuing it if the Lord blesses me with children of my own someday. We never really held back Christmas growing up, except with the nativity scene. As far as advent went I only remember it in the form of advet calendars– some years we’d each get our own and some memorable years my dad would buy one with chocolate pieces in it and every third day (I’m one of three sisters) I’d get one.
But until we were teenagers, we always celebrated the 12 days of Christmas and it was the most wonderful thing. And actually, starting when I was seven or so we would open one– just one– present Christmas eve night which really built up anticipation. It had to be a small one. Then we had the normal outpouring of gifts on Christmas. Then on each of the 12 days we got something small– an ornament, a candy bar, a fancy pencil or pen. It was never anything big, but we got presents far longer than any of our friends. It is my favorite “Christmas tradition” of my childhood. And I plan on continuing it if the Lord blesses me with children of my own someday.

]]> http://upperscvii.wordpress.com/2006/12/01/the-bishop-or-the-grinch-an-advent-blog/#comment-119 Jamie Dent Fri, 08 Dec 2006 19:50:53 +0000 http://upperscvii.wordpress.com/2006/12/01/the-bishop-or-the-grinch-an-advent-blog/#comment-119 Dear Bishop, Thank you for your timely reflection on the challenge of observing Advent in a holly-jolly world. One thing we did was go ahead and put the wreaths on our doors, decorated only with a purple ribbon. Always brought questions by visitors and gave us a chance to describe another way of preparing to friends who did not know about Advent. Dear Bishop, Thank you for your timely reflection on the challenge of observing Advent in a holly-jolly world. One thing we did was go ahead and put the wreaths on our doors, decorated only with a purple ribbon. Always brought questions by visitors and gave us a chance to describe another way of preparing to friends who did not know about Advent.

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