Candle Order 2010
|  | HOPE Dec 1 - 4
PEACE Dec 5 - 11
LOVE Dec 12 - 18
JOY Dec 19 - 24
LIGHT Dec 25
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Order Here
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Advent Bag & Box
Book &
Activity Card Set
The Advent Bag and Box Tradition book weaves the story of how the Tradition evolved with everything you need to know to create this tradition in your home. When you buy the Book and Activity Card Set together you not only save money, you will already have the Activity Cards described in the Book so you can start right away to create the Tradition that will bring more meaning and family connection to your Christmas Season! $29.99
Click here to order your set now! Gifts Truly Matter8 cards that put the focus on giving intangible gifts like encouragement, appreciation, and attention. Great for adults and teens! $6.00 for the set! Click here to order now! |
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 Hello Friends,
Welcome back everyone! And for those of you who are new, welcome to the first Advent Bag and Box Newsletter of the Season!
You'll be receiving a few newsletters in the next couple weeks with ideas to help you get started including ideas I've received from some of you who are loving doing the Tradition!
I've been deeply and truly touched by the stories some of you have shared about how much the tradition has transformed your experience of Christmas.
I hope to share a few of these with the rest of you in these newsletters along with ideas for new activities, and more tips and suggestions for how to use this tradition to shift the focus of the season.
This issue includes planning tips and suggestions for how to have a NO COST Advent. We started this Tradition when my husband was out of work and it made our entire Christmas season feel rich.
If you have given the Advent Bag and Box as a gift, chances are the person doesn't know this newsletter is available. You can use the forward to a friend link and let them know they can sign up to receive the ideas and suggestions that are only available in the newsletter.
And lastly, a shout out to my daughters who believe in the magic of Advent and are bringing it to their roommates this year!
Hugs and Blessings,
Caren
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To Plan or not to Plan... part 1 of 2
There's a full spectrum of how people approach doing the Tradition. At one end are the planners and at the other end we find the spontaneous, joy of the moment types, and in between are variations galore.
There is no right or best way. The best approach is the one that is compatible with your personality and lifestyle!
Are you the personality type that enjoys, no let's be real, LOVES planning? Then join me at one end of the spectrum. We are called the uber planners and you will love using my 2010 Planning Calendar!
I find the planning brings me less stress and more joy over the season, especially since my memory is such that I forget what I've planned and I'm as surprised as everyone else by, "What's in Advent?"
For suggestions on how to make the planning fun read more here.
Next issue: The Spontaneous and Middle Paths!
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 how to plan a
No Cost Advent! part 1
When we first began the Tradition my husband was out of work and the idea was to enrich the season without spending money. It worked! Seventeen years later the Tradition is still the core of our Christmas Season.
In this first installment, I'm going to share a list of 25 + activities so your Advent Bag & Box Tradition won't cost a penny. This way those of you making your own cards can get started. If you have a set of Advent Bag & Box Activity Cards use the blank cards for activities that aren't already in the set.
- Use Saturdays to hide the candle for the next day and play a game like hot /cold to find it. That's three fun activities right there!
- December 4 ~ Find the candle for Peace
- December 11 ~ Find the the candle for Love
- December 18 ~ Find the the candle for Joy
- click here to read the rest of the list
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To Box or Bag or pass the envelope please!
My family uses a box my husband built for us. (There are only 12 in existence and when the tradition grows stronger legs we'll figure out how to get them built at a reasonable cost for everyone else.)
 
My friend Bernie uses envelopes numbered from 1 - 25 to organize her activities. She fills each envelope with an activity then keeps them in a basket until it's time to open and discover the Advent Activity Card for the day
Most people designate a bag they like as their Advent Bag. It can be anything from a paper sack to a velvet pouch. Remember it's not the bag that's important... it's what's inside!
 
Next issue: More ideas and pics of what people use to hold their Activity Cards!
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A short story ~ Gracie Says It All!
I was recently in Kansas City, Mo. for a workshop and Lily Berkley, the woman hosting the workshop, shared this story.
Last year Lily, her partner Ryan, and their two children Gracie, eleven, and Quinn, eight, did the Advent Bag and Box Tradition for the first time. The kids LOVED it!
A couple weeks before the scheduled workshop Lily found herself unemployed. When Lily informed Gracie she no longer had a job, guess what Gracie's first words were...
... I'm serious, take a guess at what you think an eleven year old's first reaction would be to an unemployed parent right before the holidays...
Here's what happened. Gracie looked stricken and the first words out of her mouth were, "Does this mean we don't get to do Advent?".
Not, does this mean we won't get presents for Christmas. Not, does this mean we won't eat. Not, does this mean we have to move...
Does this mean we don't get to do Advent... I think that says it all!
Next issue: Mike's Gift
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We're on Facebook!
Thanks to my Facebook guru I affectionately call, Mr. Miyagi-san, even though she is really a she named Ruth, and my incredibly awesome website designer, Lisa from Gray's Web Design, who I call my web angel, we are on Facebook!
Friend us at Advent Bag and Box!
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Host a Home Party Demonstration 
Home Parties are are fun, informative, inspiring and a wonderful way to experience the magic the Advent Bag and Box Tradition creates in your home.
If you live in Oregon or Washington you can schedule a Home Party for November or December.
For more information on hosting a Home Party click here
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November Newsletter
