Friday, February 27, 2009

New Lenten Traditions


Kat's beautiful Lenten reminder and 4ddintx's resourceful comment on Monday were enough to get me off my duff to try something new to make this a more meaningful and memorable Lent for my children.  Thus, our Jesus Tree was born.  

A trip to the craft store; some felt, scissors, and glue; and a little time and attention to detail was all it took to erect our Jesus Tree and this week's ornaments.  After two days, I'm not entirely sure how much my 4 and 2yo are "learning" from the experience, but I can say that we are all enjoying ourselves so far.  It is good for a mother's soul to know her boys are at least hearing about Christ's life, associating the stories with themes and images, and getting a creative/kinesthetic outlet to boot.  And the best part about our Jesus Tree--it can bloom again next year and the year after, making this one of our family's first Lenten traditions. Alleluia!
 

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Instead of "Alleluia", don't you mean "Praise to you Lord, Jesus Christ, King of Endless Glory"??? ;)


Looks like a great idea! Isn't finding new traditions for your family the best?

4ddintx said...

I'm so glad that you liked the idea. I have yet to make my Jesus Tree, but the Jesse Tree I made is one of our family's favorite Advent traditions. Next year is when you'll see how much your children learned this year--as they remember the Bible story and the symbol that goes with it. It's amazing.

Have a holy Lent!

Tabitha

Mary Alice said...

Can I come live at your house?

Right Said Red said...

Awesome. You are so crafty! We may have to do this...

AWOL Mommy said...

MA, can I come live at yours?

Mary Alice said...

Hey Tex, are you using a kit? If so, where did you get it, and if not, where are you getting the patterns?

B-Mama said...

MA, we are not using a kit. I didn't have the time to buy one in advance. So I used the site I referenced to eyeball the patterns and designs. A little artistic license, if you will! Funny that you thought I was Tex--little blonde boys abound! :)

Mary Alice said...

Sorry for the mix up B-Mama! It was just so Tex-like of you to be all on top of living the liturgical year and so forth!

This has inspired me to order and try to make the Jesse Tree so that we will have it ready for next Advent, since I always decide too late to start these things.