Celebrating Advent and Creating Christmas Traditions

Last Nov. 17, I had the privilege of attending the Christmas Traditons, Christmas Crafts Workshop by Quetti Azurin of Fancy Momma at the Fully Booked in Bonifacio High Street.

Aside from the Christmas crafts that she taught us, she also talked about the Christmas traditions that we have in our families. One of the things that really struck a chord in me was when she said - if a traditions was causing you too much stress, it's okay to just do away with it. 

This had surprised me because I have already accepted it that Christmas is really a time when I am so stressed with all the activities and demands of the family. For the past several years, all I remember about Christmas is that I was so tired. In fact, the last two years, I wasn't happy anymore when December comes. All I could think of was how tiring and expensive this season is. 

I had obviously forgotten who this season is about.

So in celebration of this Christmas, I've decided to start a new tradition in our family - the lighting of the Advent wreath and having daily devotions about Advent.

This year, I'd like to do something different for us. 

I'd like for our family to focus more on the reason we can celebrate Christmas yearly.

The birth of Jesus Christ. 

We have been faithfully having our Advent devotions and those are truly the sweetest moments in our family. We did start a week late so we've been reading two devotions per day. I am always thankful that I went to Quetti's workshop. Not only did my kids and I have fun creating the Christmas crafts she taught, it inspired me to create a new tradition in our family.

For your own daily Advent devotions, download a free copy by Ann Voscamp. You'll have to subscribe first before you can download.

Get to know Quetti Azurin of Fancy Momma better through her Facebook page and her website - Quetti Borromeo-Azurin.

The Rhythm of Our Life

I am very, very sorry... for leaving you for a very long time. 

At first, it was because I had already given birth.

Then my Zac died. 

So my family and I took time to grieve... to rest... to find our way again. 

We took enough time to just be with each other... for comfort... and assurance that we are still okay... and that we will be okay.

Even if we miss... no yearn... sometimes even desperately... for the son, the brother, that we lost.

I have to admit... I was very angry at God. 

I had such a hard time accepting... understanding was there... but accepting took longer.

I couldn't write... as much as I used to before... because writing meant focusing my thoughts... and those thoughts inevitably returned to my loss. 

In the last three months, I became very, very busy. 

I started working...still from home... and still teaching the children. I couldn't find the time to read my beloved books and write on this long-ignored blog.

But I take a deep breath now... and feel my peace. Yes, I lost my son. A part of me died when he died. But I think I found my better self. 

I've had many times of talking to the Lord... crying out to Him...venting my anger... expressing my hurt.... but through it all, I felt the Lord's comforting peace cover me fully.

We are not yet over our grieving, not even close. But we have found a new rhythm to our lives and know that we will keep on living.

And I will keep on writing.