Everday surprises..

Earlier, I planned to hang Christmas stockings for my little girl and give her small gifts each day. But after I read about the Advent Calendar from Janet and her friend's blogs, I liked it's concept and decided to use it instead. It's a unique kind of Calendar where in there'll be small surprises attached in each date until Christmas Day. I found it a great idea so that Tricia will have some idea when is the 'real' Christmas Day because ever since we put up the Christmas Tree, she's always been asking, " Is it Christmas already?Is Debo Ate coming now?". She's also looking forward for that day because we told her favorite Ates are coming for Christmas.

Anyway, Last night I made my own Advent Calendar too..hehehe! it's kinda primitive since it was already the 5th of December so, I just have to make whatever I have at home. It's a good thing I found something a green and red bag from Myanmar with strings. Since it's green/red (Christmas colors) then I decided to use it. Then I realized the strings are convenient since I could just hanged the gifts with it.

This morning when Tricia woke up, I read to her the The Birth of Jesus (Christmas Story).I'm sure she was surprised why I'm reading to her a story after she woke up ( I only read to her before she sleeps) but I guess she was still too groggy to ask. Oh but before that,I asked her, "Why do we celebrate Christmas, Trish?, and she said, " Because we have a Christmas tree!"..hehehe! Ok, so I thought, I really have to explain to her the real reason for Christmas. So, I started out with the Birth of Jesus and why it's very important and significant to us. Of course I used words that she can understand but somehow I'm not so sure up to what extent a three and half year old kid can understand (about sin, Jesus taking our place for our sins and etc.) but anyways, I continued my explanation and she was listening intently. Then I ended my story that God gave us a GIft and that is Jesus and because God gave us a gift, so we must give gifts too! Then, I showed her the Advent Calendar with all the gifts hanging. Her sleepy eyes suddenly widened and asked, " Is that all for me?"

Tricia with the primitive Advent Calendar ( looks like a sari-sari store)..hahaah!

See her eyes??? so BIG ...excited!

She was so happy to see all the gifts and I told her that she can only open one gift everytime she wakes up in the morning. With this explanation, I got in trouble later in the evening because she was begging me to open another gift. Then I told her again "Only when you wake up tomorrow". Then she retorted, " Amma, I'll sleep and then wake up, and then sleep and wake up again ....so I can open ALLLLL of them!!" (with expression pa gyd na ang ALLLL) TOINK!!

Anyways,I think I'll make this kind of a ritual everyday to start with a story about the birth of Jesus ( different versions/ aspects of course so she won't get bored) first before she opens her surprises. Because as a parent, there is no greater joy for me than to know that my children will learn to trust in Jesus as their Saviour when they're in the age of accountabilty. I don't want it to be just something in their 'minds' and retort the 'correct' answers to every questions when it comes to spirituality, but I want them to really EXPERIENCE the life changing power that Jesus gives. That's my prayer and my hearts desire. :)