Advent is the season of preparation.The hymns and chants of the Advent Season differ from Christmas Carols; Advent music tells of the scriptural prophecies of the Birth of Jesus Christ. Your celebration equipment will depend on the age of your children and how much you have to spend.

"O Come O Come, Emmanuel and Ransom Captive Israel"; "Come Thou Long Expected Jesus:" are two popular Advent hymns prophetic telling of the birth of the Messiah,

Advent activity can place the spend- frenzy that usually surrounds Christmas in another category that helps the coping of your financial loss. If the current economic downturn has your funds limited, celebrating the Reason for the Season with hand-made items make for great activity.For the younger children, two of the most popular craft activities are making advent wreaths and calendars. You'll find instructions easily on the Internet for this hands-on activity. Also it is a great way to begin a new activity that could blossom into a family tradition.

• Hand designed Christmas activity will keep your children busy focused on the joy of giving (make sure you get into the theme yourself)
• Let the fullness of the season play out as free-family-fun.
• Let the reason for the season be your primary focus. Celebrate the birth of Jesus birth; make that your family's focus. Attend recitals, visit Live Nativity events, they're free!
• One evening set aside time to read the words of the old Carols, they full of the Gospel message.
• Form a neighborhood carolers group and sing to your neighbors; followed by hot chocolate and cookies.

Economic reports have mentioned that twenty-six years ago was the last time economic conditions were of they are currently. I know because the Christmas of '82 was my husband's layoff. Read how our family survived http://www.jbhgroup.com ] you can too.