My boys and I made our own manger for Baby Jesus.

For years we have just put their hay (received for sacrifices, almsgiving,…) into our crèche floor. And every year we would say how much we wanted a larger scale, more realistic manger. I hadn’t ever found one and was even ready to resort to making one out of cardboard.

Instead, I took a trip down the craft isle while grocery shopping and came across the “pallet” wall hanging for $4.95. I bought two and $1 worth of paint. We improvised as we went and persevered despite having malfunctions with our tools — currently it’s being held together with hot glue. But I think that will be perfect, making it easy to take apart for storage.

Our “Baby Jesus” will be my son’s prop for his All Saint’s Day costume, St. Cajetan.

So, four days into Advent and we’re still getting things set — no perfection or rush. It would be nice to have our Jesse TREE and ornaments out but those have been misplaced. My oldest son said he will make it happen tomorrow.

We actually like the staggered start with all of our traditions — the anticipation builds naturally with nothing forced, only prompted by my children’s desires to pick up the traditions which they have so lovingly embraced.

On Sunday, we moved a step deeper into Advent…