As a kid, I remember thinking that adults were kind of crazy around the holidays. Everyone talked about how busy it got this time of year-how hard it was to fit anything “extra” in. And it never really made sense to me. I mean, I wasn’t booked. School slowed down, we had a cookie party at home and a class party right before break. I needed a chat with Santa, but once that was taken care of, I was pretty well covered.
 
Turkey showed up on Thanksgiving, my new ornament arrived in time to decorate the family tree, and all was well.
 
Having my own family has opened my eyes to the busyness all those “grown-ups” felt. And feel. Family holiday plans take, well, planning. And time. And a good dose of patience and flexibility.
 
I think they also require-for them to be meaningful at all-that I’m centered. That I remember that the stuffing and the pies and the lights and the books and the reindeer, they’re all extra. They’re fun extra-but they aren’t the things that holidays are made of.
 
Last year, my friend Brooke prepped this daily Christmas quote or scripture calendar that focuses entirely on the birth of Christ. It became my favorite part of each day in December, the time every day when I would really remember why my house was full of lights and sugar cookies and wrapping paper. It brought the month into focus for me, and even thought we probably did as much as we ever had, it didn’t feel so “busy.” It felt purposeful and peaceful.
 
So, because she’s just so great, she was happy to let us share it here with all of you. It took me a while to decide how to prep it for you. For a while, I wanted to make a pretty printable for each day. But the more I thought about it, the more I felt like that just isn’t what this is about. So you’ll find a standard document when you click-through that lists a scripture or quotation under each date. (Find it HERE.)
 
You can cut them up and put them in the advent calendar you already have. (This advent calendar is from Fisher Price and is completely toddler-safe. I couldn’t find ours online, but here are two other options from Amazon if you’re looking for a nativity-themed advent: one from Kubla and the other from Vermont Christmas Company). The picture shows the little daily quotation or scripture in each calendar date, but I’m actually planning on just printing off the full pages, keeping them safely up and away, and reading one each night. It’ll keep little papers from being all over my floor. All the time.
 
So here’s hoping the busy holiday season includes a few more silent and holy nights-or moments-for you and yours this year. Merry Christmas!!

Natalie