Show Us Your Life~Holiday Traditions~Advent Mailbox

I have been away from blogging for several weeks, but I just couldn't resist doing a post about holiday traditions the Kelly at Kelly's Korner is doing. Probably like many of you, our family has a ton of traditions, but a favorite tradition for my boys is one that my sister started for them several years ago and they look forward to it every year when they see the little red mailbox come out of storage. We have an Advent Mailbox.



This little mailbox sits at the foot of the stairs and each morning there is an envelope inside that contains a single piece from...


this nativity scene. This is the sweetest little clay nativity scene every. I think my sister got it from the Cokesbury Bookstore. They look so forward to seeing what is in the mailbox each day and adding it to the Creche. (This picture was made from the Santa's Secure Workshop Location... aka...my bathroom. )


This little insert tells you what piece is for each day There are a couple of days that it wants you to make paper things like a road, etc... However, on these different days I on put a surprise treat in the mailbox to make it special for the boys. This year I am planning on putting the fixins for s'mores and homemade hot chocolate mix. We have an outdoor fireplace and they LoVe to make s'mores and hot chocolate. I thought this would be better than candy. I think that will give me something extra for four days.

On Christmas Day is when Baby Jesus goes into the mailbox. I have him nestled into a pretty gift box on a bed of raffia, for our most precious gift from above. They are so excited amongst the hub bub and excitement of Christmas Day to finally get the baby Jesus and add him to the scene.

Since my boys are getting older and they still "Believe" I want them to "believe" that Big Daddy and I have nothing to do with the advent mailbox. We hide the envelopes and put them in the mailbox after they go to bed at night. I have also wrapped up the actual creche and am going to have my neighbor put it on our doorstep and ring the doorbell this year. A little mystery for this magical time of year.

Day one will start with Mary...

"But the angel said to her, Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High." Luke 1:30-32

This is such a fun way to get the Christmas season going and to remind us daily the real reason for the season. Thanks Aunt Cindy for starting this wonderful tradition for the boys. I have a feeling I will be doing this one for a long time.