Advent is almost here—a season of waiting, hope, and joyful expectation. But before we enter this sacred time, let’s take a moment to prepare ourselves for the journey ahead. Properly observing Advent isn’t about perfection or adding more to your already busy schedule. Instead, it’s about intentionally stepping away from the chaos and making space in our hearts and homes for Christ.
If we’re honest, this requires a willingness to do things differently. While the world around us rushes into Christmas the moment the Halloween decorations come down, Advent calls us to pause. It invites us into a countercultural rhythm of waiting, longing, and preparation. To truly embrace Advent, we first need to shift our mindset—to understand what Advent is for and why it matters—before we bring those changes into our homes and families.
Advent Begins in the Heart
Advent is a time of preparation. It’s a season of waiting, of longing for the fulfillment of God’s promises of a Savior. While the world skips straight to the “fa-la-la-la-las,” Advent asks us to embrace the quiet, reflective work of getting our hearts ready for the miracle of Christmas.
This mindset shift might feel counterintuitive. After all, everything around us screams for instant gratification. But Advent encourages us to wait well—to find beauty in anticipation. And as we prepare personally, we can also guide our families into this way of thinking.
A Family Journey Through Advent
Once we’ve reoriented our own hearts, we can bring this new perspective to our families. Advent isn’t just something we do; it’s something we experience together. This means setting aside time to talk about what Advent is, why it matters, and how it will look different from the world’s holiday rush.
Explain to your family that Advent is a journey—a time of preparation and waiting for the birth of Jesus. Compare it to how parents prepare for a baby: They don’t just wait passively; they make space in their hearts and their homes. They prepare a room, gather blankets and clothes, and pick a name. Similarly, during Advent, we prepare both inwardly and outwardly for the arrival of Christ.
Help your children understand that Advent isn’t about rules or restrictions, but about intentionally setting this time apart as holy. Whether it’s fasting from sweets, singing Advent songs instead of Christmas carols, or waiting to decorate the tree, these practices are meant to remind us of the beauty of anticipation. And don’t forget to remind them that Advent isn’t about earning God’s love—He already loves us fully and unconditionally.
Getting Ready to Start
This preparation takes time, which is why it’s important to plan ahead. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing some of my favorite Advent traditions, practices, and items that have helped our family embrace this season with joy and intention. From creating an Advent wreath to planning family devotions, these ideas will give you a foundation to build on, so you’re ready to begin as Advent approaches. You can also find my complete guide to Advent in my book, The Liturgical Home: Advent.
Remember, you don’t need to do everything. Choose the practices that resonate most with your family, and let them guide you into the season. Write down your intentions and commitments as a family, and put them somewhere visible—a tangible reminder of the heart behind your Advent journey.
A Season Set Apart
Advent is a gift, a season set apart to prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ. It’s a time to slow down, focus on God's promises, and create space for His light to enter our lives. As you begin preparing yourself and your family for this season, remember that Advent isn’t about perfection—it’s about intention.
So let’s take this time to ready our hearts and our homes. Together, we’ll step into the season of Advent with expectation and open hands, waiting with hope for the fulfillment of God’s promises. And when Christmas finally arrives, we’ll greet it not with exhaustion but with hearts full of true joy.
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