Saint Nicholas Day

Saint Nicholas Eve. Our shoes are by the door and ready for Saint Nicholas to stop by!

And stop by he did! 

This is the first time he left little wooden toys for the girls and a book (that I had been dreaming of) for the family! 

Emma, our Early Bird, was the first one up. She was so excited to see what Saint Nicholas had left!

Grace arrived a little while later. 

She, too, was captivated by the items in her shoe (especially the fairy)!

We've only been celebrating this sweet little holiday for the last few years but it has quickly become a favorite. I love that it's simple, little timeless things that are left for the girls to discover. Nuts, Clementines, chocolate and (this year) little wooden fairy dolls. It's also a holiday about kindness and helping others and as such we always choose a kindness to do. Last year we donated winter hats and mittens to the local shelter. This year, we still have yet to figure out what our act of kindness will be. We figure this way we can extend the spirit of love and kindness that is so important to us (and that was so important to Saint Nicholas) a little bit longer! 

Advent Spiral Walk

This evening our church held it's first Advent Spiral walk. The girls and I arrived a couple of hours ahead of time to get the spiral all set up. They were so focused and dedicated to the task at hand. 

The spiral was readied and the candles prepared. 

Now, just to wait for everyone to arrive!

Since we were the only family who had walked a Spiral before it was decided that Grace and Emma should go first. They did a wonderful job! It didn't take long before our Spiral started to be illuminated. 

I love that this sweet couple walked to the center and back hand in hand. Even if I did not know them I would instantly know that this is how they walk through life together. 

It's always amazing to see how different people walk the Spiral. 

Some are really quite and focused. Others are much quicker. 

And this sweet picture of a grandfather and his granddaughters is one of my most favorite of the night. Normally, photography is not allowed during the walking. I am so happy that we allowed it (as long as the flash was not used) so that moments like this could be captured for time and all eternity.

One of Grace's most favorite things to do during Advent is to walk the Spiral. As she had been second to walk this one (and therefore only one apple candle was lit when she walked) she asked if she could go once more. I knew she wanted a chance to be in the enchanting Spiral all lit up. I am glad that she walked it again and I wish that Emma been in the room at the time so she could have walked it a second time too.  

The harp and flute Christmas music we had playing helped to make the experience all that more enchanting. The quiet. The scents. The chance to sit in a dimly lit, peace filled room truly is the perfect way to begin the holiday season. I loved looking around at the members of our faith community and seeing peace and serenity wash over them. It is a moment I will carry with me always.

And just like that, a bit of the Waldorf world is brought to our sweet church and a new tradition is begun!