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,
With Thanksgiving fast arriving and the to-do list getting longer even as the time we have to do it all grows shorter, there is nothing more important than keeping our sense of humor.
The world won't end if the turkey is still frozen on Thursday morning. remember, one moment's disaster has the potential to become tomorrow's funniest story. Choose to laugh!
This issue includes ideas for candles and wreaths along with the planning strategy I learned from my sister. If you signed up after last week's newsletter and would like to receive it, please email me and I'll forward it to you. It had great ideas for having a NO COST ADVENT!
Happy Thanksgiving every one!
Hugs and Blessings,
Caren
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Candles and Advent Wreaths
Choose candles that will burn slowly or you may find that the candle  for Hope has burned down before Joy has been lit. The slow burning ones generally cost a dollar or two more, for a set of four, and it's worth it!
Dripless candles are available and a good option for daring-doers who put candles on the table without something underneath.
If your  family is young and you plan to sit in a circle on the floor, be sure to put a tray under the candles to catch drips and stray wax. It also makes setting up and putting things away, much simpler.
Advent Wreaths aren't necessary but can be simple and fun to make. The wreath on the right was created by putting four candles on a platter, securing them in place with hot wax, and adding greens, cinnamon sticks and pine cones around the candles.
You can find the gold ring in the top right photo at craft or hobby stores and also at Christian Supply stores.
Next issue: More ideas and pics of what people use to hold their Activity Cards!
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To Plan or not to Plan... part 2 of 2
Last week we talked about planning and how it reduces my stress. This week I'd like you to meet my sister, Jennifer (that's her in the picture) as she is at the opposite end of the spectrum. Those of you who have taken my workshops know the story of what she taught me about planning, it's called...
... N OT. She and her family just toss the cards into the bag and each night someone gets to put their hand in and pull out the card for the next day. It's a totally spontaneous way to go. Much to my delight, it works for them and, as I've learned, many of you also.
Then there's THE MIDDLE WAY which is what the vast majority of Advent Bag and Box users do. They choose one, or a few, cards at a time to put in the bag. It's basically a little bit of planning mixed with a little more spontaneity.
Which works best for you?
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A short story ~ Mike's Gift.
My dear friend, Mike, took to the idea of secret giving like Santa takes to milk and cookies. The activity card for one particular Saturday (this was over nine years ago) was to Keep in Step with the Spirit of Giving.
When Mike walked into his favorite coffee shop for his usual morning coffee and newspaper he noticed there was no one else at the counter. Suddenly, it hit him, and he knew what he was going to do.
Mike ordered his usual and then plopped a fifty dollar bill on the counter (who carries spare fifties in their wallets?) and said to Kathy, the owner, "Use this to pay for the next several customers and wish them a merry Christmas. Don't tell them who did it!"
Kathy was caught totally off guard but before she could say anything another customer walked in.
Mike took his coffee and scone and sat down in a corner. He pretended to read his paper as he surreptitiously watched the next ten or twelve customers all break into a huge smile as they received their free morning coffee and scone.
Best of all, he got to watch Kathy's face glow brighter and brighter as she got to play Santa! When Mike left, the whole world seemed brighter.
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We're on Facebook!
Bring some balance back to the season by getting the focus off the stuff and onto actions that fill us up with the Spirit of Christmas.
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
