Happy 4th Advent!

Fourth Advent begun with an "Adventskonzert."  In addition to weekly private lessons, Chrissie also plays in a Suzuki school.  Tonight they preformed in a small church, St. Marien, in a little village called Grasdorf.  Chrissie played five songs with the group and then a solo.  I love watching her play.  

 Chrissie playing her solo: Jingle Bells.

Saint Lucia

Chrissie and I woke up early this morning to celebrate Saint Lucia.  In Sweden, Saint Lucia is observed on Dec. 13th, however, we chose this Saturday morning so that Rick could be apart of it.

  Chrissie dressed in the traditional wear: white dress, red sash and candles on her head (all items we purchased while in Sweden). She brought a tray of hot chocolate to Matthew and Rick (who were asleep) while singing "Silent Night." Actually, Matthew wasn't really asleep.  He had been awake with us.  But I sent him into bed with Rick when Chrissie was ready.  Then we had breakfast by candlelight.

Later Matthew and Chrissie jumped into their games of make believe.  In this photo Chrissie is being a Christmas fairy and Matthew is being her Christmas Knight and they are very serious about it.

Christmas Creations

I love a homemade Christmas.  Rick grew up in a home where he and his family made Christmas gifts.  This tradition has carried on into our family.  The planning usually starts early in the year.  I am always most excited about the gifts I make than the gifts I buy.  Unfortunately this year I have not been able to make gifts.  However, the kids are making something for each other.  I took each one separately to the little craft store here in town and let them decide what to give.  Matthew was more interested in what HE was going to make for HIMSELF than what he was going to make for others.  He did not quite grasp the "its much better to give than to receive" lecture. 

  

In addition to making gifts, we wrote

Santa Letters.

(matthew wanted to trace his hand as a drawing for Santa. Matthew was so pleased with it that he wanted multiple tracings, but we ran out of room)

Minutes after writing Matthew's letter he had me make a few additions. First it was just a woody doll.  Then he wanted the doll to be BIG.  Then he wanted an Emperor Zurg with a BIG gun. And then the next day he completely changed his request to an ax, which evolved to a knights castle, and has ended at a cross bow...for now.

Of course, cute Chrissie thanks Santa for her last year's gift and wants an aurora dress. 

Happy Third Advent!

more Christmas cookies, more singing...

a little Christmas decorating...

and watching the First Presidency's Christmas Message.

Now why are Matthew and Chrissie in their swimsuits on a Sunday evening? very good question.  I'm not sure.  Except I was told they were "being brother and sister doing their sports."  

Oh please, please Jane let me put a bow in your hair.  However, the hair in the eyes is pretty darn cute.

2nd Advent

Advent is very much celebrated in Germany.   Every family has a wreath with four candles to represent the four Sundays or four weeks before Christmas.  One candle is lit the first week, two the next, and so on.  For Germans, Advent is all about being with family, eating Christmas cookies, and singing.  We thoroughly enjoying this tradition and are embracing it with ease.   

This second Advent Grandma and Grandpa Lochhead came to visit. We spent the weekend at Christmas markets, eating delicious food, and enjoying the Christmas season.

Every year Burgdorf's main church puts on an advent performance.  This year the performance had a choir with all the local members of this Protestant church, musicians, and a children's choir.  It was lovely.

I absolutely love these stars.  They are everywhere.  I've seen them mainly in churches or in the church bell towers. 

Children held candles and had a procession into the church while singing a Christmas song.

The church has their own Advent wreath, which is the purpose of the photo below.  Even in Matthew and Chrissie's kindergarten they have an advent wreath that they light everyday at reading time.  

Burgdorf's Christmas market

comes only one weekend in December.

2nd Advent Sunday:

The next six photos are courtesy of Chrissie.   A few candid shots of our Sunday afternoon.  She also wanted to take pictures of "Christmas-y" things.

Once nap time ended, we lit candles, sang songs, and had a delicious dinner.  The dinner was entirely prepared by Rick.  I grew up where every Sunday my Dad cooked dinner.  Since having more free time, Rick has taken to this tradition and is doing exceptionally well.  

   

Happy Second Advent!