Celebrating Advent with Children: Waldorf Traditions

Sarah Baldwin, a Waldorf teacher and president of Bella Luna Toys, discusses the season of Advent (the four weeks leading up to Christmas) and how it can be observed as a season of reflection and anticipation by all families, regardless of faith. In this video, Sarah gives several ideas for celebrating Advent with children including an Advent Calendar, Advent Wreath, Advent Spiral and more.
Items mentioned in this video:
Advent Calendars
www.bellalunat...
Candle Holder for Advent Wreath
www.bellalunat...
Candles for Advent Wreath
www.bellalunat...
Grimm's Wooden Advent Spiral
www.bellalunat...
Brass Candle Holders for Advent Spiral
www.bellalunat...
Beeswax Candles for Advent Spiral
www.bellalunat...
Advent and Christmas Stories (Book)
www.bellalunat...
VERSE FOR LIGHTING THE ADVENT WREATH
The first light of advent is the light of stones, the light that shines in crystals, in seashells, and in bones.
The second light of advent is the light of plants, plants that reach up to the sun, and in the breezes, dance.
The third light of advent is the light of beasts. It shines in the greatest and it shines in the least.
The fourth light of advent is the light of humankind, the light of love, the light of thought, to give and to understand.
****

[@mirandaheaton7988]

I’m a homeschool mom to 4 little ones and I LOVE your videos! Some videos I would really enjoy if you’re willing to make them is videos sharing some favorite stories that you would tell in a Waldorf classroom 😊 my kids LOVE books but I would love to have more stories to tell them without books and pictures so they can be more free to imagine on their own

[@SundaywithSarah]

Thank you for the feedback, Miranda. I will try to make more videos of stories I told in my classroom.

[@rawcuisine7034]

Wow when I saw your video I got butterflies in my belly ;-) I missed your videos a ton! so happy to see you again - shiny and glowing as always!! you look beautiful! love from Austria! Victoria

[@SundaywithSarah]

Aww, thank you so much, Victoria! I re-launched Sunday with Sarah in the spring of 2023 with new monthly videos. It's been great to be back! Holiday blessings to you. 🕯

[@Ashley.Heather]

Today is the second advent ❤ Beautiful option by Grimms! I love the traditional 4 as we are a Christian family. Lovely ideas here!!

[@tereseday4060]

Thank you for this. Have a wonderful holiday season!

[@Georgemoore620]

Hello Terri 🌹 good day. How're you doing today ?

[@mamaof2528]

Our winter spiral is this evening! We like to continue the calm after getting home with a candlelit dinner and bath before bed.

[@ChuckXss]

Your scarf is so beautiful!

[@kristaselene]

Lovely ideas! Thank you for a wonderful video.

[@Maged50]

God bless you ❤❤❤

[@AP-pb7br]

Dear Sarah, I bought that very spiral a few weeks ago and we’re now loving our advent ritual every night. I make my own advent calendars each year - this year, every day we open an envelope with some chocolates, a candle for the spiral and a graphic work I made for my husband with pictures from our up years together. Sometimes there’s also a decoration for the tree or a little puppet (like Saint Nicholas) that we place by the spiral. The only thing that’s missing, are some verses to read for every candle we light (at the moment we repeat the “fire spirit, fire sprite…” rhyme that I heard from you once union a video ;) Also, you should know that I bought the wooden rainbow by Grimm’s for my daughter after watching your video. Your work is so appreciated! Alice from Italy

[@caraelizabeth3769]

Hi Sarah, I was wondering if you could do a video explaining the Waldorf font that is used in many of the resources you sell in your store. I have tried to research this myself and have not come up with much information, just that it is designed to imitate the imperfect shapes of nature.

[@Georgemoore620]

Hello Cara 🌹 how are you doing today ?

[@pooja9852]

Hi we are a waldrof parents from India plz du tell us more about stories for kids

[@JoeSims1776]

Sorry, but I'm not raising my child with the guilt-peddling Jesus industry.

[@belleplummer2924]

NOPE, sorry. Madame Montessoru was Jewish and so is my family. No advent here. We have particular traditions and, actually, your explanation is a little irritating and demeaning.

[@velmag583]

Ms Sarah is speaking about Waldorf, founded from Mr. Steiner 😊. I didn’t know Maria Montessori was Jewish, everything I’ve read of her background mentioned Catholic.

[@julestopper7553]

Hi, I hold a degree in religious studies. The spiritual symbolism of the spiral actually predates Christianity, and is found in ancient societies all over the world. Thought to represent the cycle of birth, death and rebirth. It is one of the many symbols Christians adopted when attempting to assimilate earth based spiritual practitioners or "pagans". The same is true with Evergreen trees and branches at Christmas, and Bunnies and Eggs at Easter ect. This assimilation first took place in Europe, that is why Waldorf (founded by a German) has these overlapping themes of nature and religion. P.S. Maria Montessori was born in Italy raised Catholic.

[@lotus7561]

Lovely video thank you! I wonder if I could find a spiral with 21 days counting to the winter solstice 💙🤍