Throughout the season of Advent we make an extra special effort to be hospitable.
Having friends over each weekend in December seems to help us with the festivities and preparations.
(it’s also a nice way to make sure I keep the house clean)
Invariably, I torture people by asking everyone to sing…
…not individually singing of course, that would just be mean. But group singing isn’t that horrible, is it? Mimzie says that group singing was pretty common when she was a girl, so I’m just working on a revival of that. Sing-a-long at Sharon’s house — it’ll be all the rage.
But I digress…
Last weekend was the third week of advent and we celebrated it with chili, corn bread and lots and lots of kids.
Their parents came over too, but it was the kids that really caused me to marvel.
Have you ever noticed how easy it is for kids to get past the introductions and just start playing?
No need to impress, or posture, or find common interests.
Nope. It’s just “hi, nice to meet you, wanna play?”
Kids ranging from 12 months to 7 years, some who barely knew each other, filled our house with laughing and talking and JOY.
You might not know it, but the third Sunday in Advent is Rose Sunday, which is supposed to remind us of the hope of heaven. That’s why Advent wreathes tend to have a pink candle on the third week…
And from now on, just for the JOY of it, I’m planning on having kids fill my house when we light that third candle… Its be a new family tradition.
I really can’t imagine a better way to celebrate it.

And now it’s YOUR turn!
Is there anything you want to share, that gave you JOY this week? The best moments, the treasured memory, the answered prayer… Share them with everybody!
If you have a blog, add a link to the “MckLinky” application below… (please be sure to link to the post, not to your home page). Plus, it would be great if you would link back here from your post… I’m not anal about it, but I appreciate it!
Everybody should check out some of the other links listed below and be sure to leave a comment so they know you stopped by for a visit. It’s just good manners after all!