Seriously, my family already keeps many of the wonderful, Holy customs you posted. Thanks so much, and I noted a few more we may have to add.
Has anyone read the Trapp family's book of Christian customs throughout the year? It's great, and every year National Review Online reprints a funny story of a large American family whose mother tried to impose all those wonderful Advent customs on her chaotic family.
It helps me to keep all these things in perspective.
Blessed Advent everyone. It starts in a few hours. I have my Advent wreath ready - that's the only "Christmas" decoration I allow in the house. At least for a couple of weeks! After that the children start to overrule me.
An "Advent" custom we adopted while I was working in Europe - a celebration of St. Nicolas' Day, December 6. I put candy in the children's shoes while they sleep. This gives them a little relief from the rigors of Advent and reminds them of the real origin of Santa Claus.
I have not had any luck getting my daughter to adopt to the Swedish customs of St. Lucy's day, December 13.
What is the St. Lucy custom?