We will be using a Nature Table as a focus of our Advent celebration this year. As we read a story, song, prayer, or Bible passage we will be adding a symbol to the Table.

At the height of Advent we will be presenting a Play (see http://waldorflibrary.org/Journal_Articles/GW3512.pdf) to our family and friends.

Nature Table Add-ons [ideas inspired by EveryDayWaldorf]:

1st day - a special stone (a glossy stone found in most craft stores)

2nd day - moss (craft shop)

3rd day - cones in different sizes (pine cones)

4th day - branches (just take some that have fallen on the ground)

5th day - dried flowers or a small potted plant (dry flowers or plant a small plant for this time and use as expectation lesson)

6th day - straw for the Christ Child (straw can be found in craft stores)

7th day - more cones (pine cones)

8th day - another special stone (polished or a crystal)

9th day - a sheep (you can make a sheep out of wool (needle felting) or knit one)

10th day - a shepherd (needle felted or find a wooden finger puppet and dress)

11th day - the ox (you can print out a picture and laminate and then add a cardboard stand)

12th day - the donkey (same as ox)

13th day - a small bird (you can find small birds at the craft shop usually in dried flowers sections)

14th day - more sheep (knit or needle felt or you can make one out of paper)

15th day - a shepherd (same as above)

16th day - Mary (use a finger puppet)

17th day - stars made of gold foil(3 inches or 7 cm in diameter)

18th day - Joseph (finger puppet)

19th day - more sheep (same above)

20th day - a shepherd (same as above)

21st day - a light for the shepherds (we use a lighted bees wax candle)

22nd day - straw for the animals (same as above)

23rd day - the angel Gabriel (you can make this out of wool roving)

24th day - the Christ Child (in the crib or in Marys arms make needle felting or use a piece of wool felt and add a wooden bead as a head for the baby and place in a walnut shell with the Mary finger puppet)

Dec. 25th - Mary lays the Child into the crib (walnut shell)

Dec. 26th - the first shepherd returns to his sheep (same as above)

Dec. 27th- the first Wise Man appears at a distance (print out wise men and laminate and add cardboard stands)

Dec. 28th - the second shepherd returns (same as above)

Dec. 29th - the second Wise Man appears (same as above)

Dec. 30th - the third shepherd retreats (same as above)

Dec. 31st - the third Wise Man appears (same as above)

Jan. 1st - the gold (a stone) of the first Wise Man (it should be placed in his arms) (you could hand paint the stone gold or spray paint it gold)

Jan 2nd - the frankincense of the second Wise Man (an incense candle)

Jan 3rd- the myrrh for the third Wise Man (a branch)

Jan. 4th - the three Wise Men approach the Child (same as above)

Jan.5th - Joseph wears a purple cloak (purple wool felt)

Jan. 6th - the three Wise Men present their gifts to the Child (little gifts from above)

I've included some rough templates for your children to cut out and decorate. You can print them out on cardstock and use them as you would paperdolls. I plan on adding yarn for hair and maybe some google eyes and other fun touches. For the Sheep you can just add some cotton balls to the template or needle felt your own.

Another great activity to do with your children during this season is to make your own Advent Calender.(not the ones with candies) Each day note the prayer or song associated with the event and then make a page in your calendar. You can either Scapbook a page or use markers and paint to create a unique keepsake for your children when they are grown.

Sweets are a part of Advent so why not bake a few treats with the little ones. Saffron buns or Advent Cookies are always a hit. You could even use some sugar cookie dough to make the figures for the Christ Child's arrival.

Advent is a really special season and I hope that you plan to celebrate it this year with your family. Children really get excited about the Christ child's coming when they see you excited. It doesn't take much more than 5 - 10 minutes a day to read a story or sing a song to get your children talking about the Advent season.

Happy Celebrations to you and your family!

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