December Nature Table: Advent

It’s holiday time and our houses are filled with excitement. It’s a blessing to spend your days around children during the holidays.

I love the magic and wonder they bring to traditions. In our consumerist society it’s often difficult to keep our focus on giving, helping and sharing joy.

The Nature Table in December helps us stay focused on being grateful and marks the days of advent as we lead up to Christmas. The items on the nature table this month represent the ideas in an advent verse.

Below is an advent verse that is used in many Waldorf schools. Each week we add new objects to the nature table.

The first Light of Advent, it is the Light of stones:
The Light that shines in seashells, in crystals and in bones.

The second Light of Advent, it is the Light of plants:
Plants that reach up to the sun, and in the breezes dance.

The third Light of Advent, it is the light of beasts:
The Light of faith that we may see in greatest and in least.

The fourth Light of Advent, it is the Light of humankind:
The Light of hope, of thoughts and deeds,
The Light of hand, heart and mind.

Our nature table will start with crystals, then the next week we will add a plant, then animals and finally people. I will tell a short story about being thankful for each of these items and how they bring wonder and balance to our lives.

I love how the Nature table holds a magical feeling that is deep and pure. It’s a breath of fresh air in our busy lives as we rush to accumulate yet another pile of toys.

Week One:

 Week Two:

 Week Three:

Week Four:

May the magic of the season fill your heart with joy.

Jana 

Interested in making a wooden sled tree ornament with your daycare children? Check out this tutorial on how to make a Popsicle Stick Sled.