Advent Meal

I already mentioned our advent meal and wanted to share with you what it's all about!

So every year at Christmas time (well actually from about October) there are always so many awesome Christmas themed gifts around. From handcrafted treasures to novelty gifts, you can get phone cases, decorations, novelty ties, Christmas earrings, socks, pants, pyjamas, even Christmas loo roll!

It's always so tempting to buy these things, however I think people are also reluctant to because if you give them as a gift in Christmas Day, then the person receiving it only gets use out of it on the actual day and the few days that follow before the New Years celebrations.

So as a family we make or buy small Christmas themed gifts and meet up for a meal at the beginning of December (or as close to then as possible). It doesn't always work out this way but in theory, we divide the the meal up into starter, main, pudding, cheese board and coffee and treats and all take control of one (Mum and Dad usually get the main course, I go for mints as u can't really go wrong with them)!

We listen to Christmas songs, eat, drink, give and receive presents and finish the night with a Christmas movie. It's a lovely tradition which we started about 6 years ago. The presents don't have to be amazing, you can make them or buy them, wrap them or don't wrap them, it doesn't matter. It's just a great way to kick start advent and begin the excitement for the countdown to Christmas! With the start of advent happening tomorrow, why not meet up with family or friends over the weekend and have your own advent meal?

So the Christmas jumper had to come out for the occasion.... 

Getting into the festive mood with some Christmas drawing....

Uncle James- Fruit Ninja, preparing the melon for the starters....

George decorated his Amma's fireplace.....

George's place setting....

Adam's place setting......

My place setting.....

George and Daddy....

unwrapping presents......

More present unwrapping....

Uncle James and Auntie Lucy...

My haul of festive goodies....

Homemade hot chocolate stirrers...

Homemade apple and cinnamon vodka...

A homemade festive poster...

George's haul....

watching Elf together....

 

If you do get together and have an advent meal, swap little gifts, or even make some festive things together then we'd love to hear all about it! We'd also love to hear about any Christmas traditions you guys have. Today someone told me they light their advent calender every night and have a story by candlelight during the advent countdown...... love it!