Advent Verses
John the Baptist foretold in Isaiah 40:3-5 and confirmed with Matthew 3:1-3Jesse Tree
In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. -John 14:2
Because of what He has done, we have victory. Our sins are washed away. If we have received His gift of salvation, we look forward to an eternity with Him. It overwhelms the soul.
To Explore
Candy! The English word "candy" derives from Arabic "qandi," meaning something made with sugar. Another name for candy is "sweet meat". Used in England for nearly 400 years, the word meat referred to food, not what we call meat today. So the term sweet meat actually just meant a type of sweet food. It is not a common term today.Candy Canes have urban legends about their spiritual significance, which are fun to read but not necessarily accurate. Candy canes began as straight, white sticks of sugar candy. These were first made part of the Christmas tradition when they were used to decorate Christmas trees, along with other goodies. Its first appearance with a hook shape seems to be in 1670 in Germany. The Music Director at Cologne Cathedral handed out the already common white candy sticks, but this time in the shape of a sheperd's crook for children to enjoy during the Living Creche service. For a short article on candy canes today, see - http://www.essortment.com/all/historycandyca_rlai.htm
Chocolate is a favorite treat any time of year, but I've yet to hear of a Christmas without chocolate fudge.
History of Chocolate
History of Fudge
Christmas Around the World
Since the oldest trace of chocolate discovered thus far was found on pottery in Honduras, as far back as 1400 BC, let's look at a Honduran Christmas!The "Cena Navideña" or Christmas Dinner is plays a major role in Honduran Christmas tradition. Nearly always, this includes a dish of tamales and "torrejas" for dessert. The "Nacimiento" or Nativity scene is a popular decoration in many homes. For much more on Christmas in Honduras, see http://hondurasweekly.com/previousissues/920-honduran-christmas-traditions-endure
Hands On (cooking, coloring, creating)
An interesting recipe for saltwater taffy. Even young hands can get in on the action with this recipe. Children can cut the taffy into bite-sized pieces with a plastic knife or pizza cutter.Saltine Toffee - Yum!
Paula Deen's Divinity recipe
Candy Cane Crafts:
Candy Cane Reindeer - http://www.acandycanechristmas.com/crafts/candy-cane-reindeer.shtml
Candy Cane Mouse - http://www.amazingmoms.com/htm/christmas_crafts_mouse.htm
Candy Cane Sleigh - http://www.holiday-kids-crafts.com/candycane-crafts-sleigh.html
Cute Candy Cane Suckers - http://www.skiptomylou.org/2009/01/21/candy-cane-hearts/
Heart Ornaments - http://www.examiner.com/x-24837-Buffalo-Frugal-Living-Examiner~y2009m11d1-Christmas-ornments--decorations-candy-cane-heart-ornament
Candy Coloring:
http://www.bimboflap.it/risorse/immagini/halloween/dolcetti.gif
http://www.supercoloring.com/image_print.php?img_src=http://www.supercoloring.com/wp-content/original/2009_12/Candy-cranes-coloring-page.jpg
Bead Candy Cane - http://www.freekidcrafts.com/bead-candycane-craft.html
Tissue Paper Candy Cane - no pictures, just my plans for the day: wrap one end of a 6 to 12 inch wire around a bead. With the other end of the wire, poke a hole into one inch squares of red tissue paper. After you have about an inch of red slid down the wire and to the bead, begin adding a layer of white tissue paper squares. Alternate until the wire is within an inch of the end. Wrap this final inch of wire around another bead. Bend the wire into a candy cane shape. Tie on a ribbon to hang as an ornament.
Create a Chocolate Lapbook - http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/jaminacema/218856/
Music
Come On A My House with Rosemary Clooney in 1981 (she is such a delight to listen to even if the song makes no sense and only briefly mentions candy) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyCNNrc8F_s The song mentions Easter as much as it mentions Christmas, but Christmas time is the only time I hear this song on the radio, so there you go. :DHard Candy Christms with Dolly Parton (but be warned: it's depressing and mentions intoxication) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyCNNrc8F_s
Candy by Nat King Cole and Sweets Edison - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AooLkxroou4
Books
Games
http://www.mofunzone.com/popups/crazy_candy_creation.shtmlhttp://www.gamehouse.com/online-games/super-candy-cruncher-online
