December 1: Advent Christmas Tree

Making an evergreen tree Advent calendar the first suggested activity in the Keeping CHRIST in CHRISTMAS for Kids book. 

1. Trace 25 hand prints on green construction paper and neatly cut them out.
2. Number each of the hand prints on the palm.
3. Glue the hand prints on tag board in seven overlapping rows to form an outline of an evergreen tree.
4. For the seventh row, use only four hand prints and place two of them on each side of the tree continuing the tree shape.
5. Cut a trunk from brown construction paper and glue it in the middle of the seventh row.
6. Display tree in a prominent location and place a sticker on the date after the reflection and activity has been completed for that day. (ours is on the back of the front door)

It turned out looking great, but I'd definitely do it differently next time!!!  Cutting out 25 hand prints was NOT a good idea.  I had figured Koen would be able to help cut some out, but he was done after cutting out one of his.  Both Koen and Ty drifted off to play something else while I finished cutting.  They did help a little bit when it came to gluing the hands down, but I couldn't help but think during the 25 minutes it took to cut out the hand prints that next time I'd use some green paint.  Messier?  Of course, but then I'd be able to take one hand, put it in paint, slap it on the cardboard a few times and wash it off.  Next hand and repeat.  It sounds so much simpler and then the kids would be involved for more of it, too.  Live and learn! 

During the course of constructing this tree we talked about the meaning of Advent.  Koen had talked about it that day in school and he remembered (!) that Advent was a time of waiting for Jesus.  I love it when God's timing works out like that!  The booklet suggested talking about how we use the evergreen during the Christmas season because Jesus gives everlasting life.  I kept the focus of this project on advent for this year.  We're putting a sticker on each numbered hand until we reach Christmas.  Waiting for anything is tough at these ages (heck, it can be tough at my age!).  I figure I'll keep it simple, plant some seeds, and pray they grow in their love and knowledge of Christ this Christmas season.