When I became a mom, I wondered when Macey would start to understand and anticipate holidays. I wondered when she would start remembering holidays from one year to the next. I now have my answer. She started understanding at three, and at four, she anticipates. Maybe that’s why she’s a huge fan of our family Advent wreath.

In the Catholic Church (and other Christan denominations), Advent is the time of anticipation before Christmas Day. The first Sunday of Advent is the first day of the new liturgical year. One candle is lit each Sunday until Christmas day. Each day during the week, usually during dinner, our family lights the appropriate number of candles and says a prayer before the meal. An added bonus? Dinner by candlelight has become special. Mealtime behavior has improved. Dinner conversation has evolved. The candles have been such a hit, Macey’s been known to ask that they be lit for breakfast and lunch too.

She understands that each Sunday, we light another candle. When we get to four candles, we will be really close to Christmas Day. And each week, I really think she’s understands a little more about what her Sunday school teacher has been trying to get across all season–Jesus came before Santa!