Saturday, November 29, 2008

Advent Activity Calendar - December 13

Scripture Reading:

Micah 5:3-4

"Therefore Israel will be abandoned until the time when she who is in labor gives birth and the rest of his brothers return to join the Israelites. He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth."

Country Focus: England

Tradition:
Games

Activity:
Have a Game Night!

Directions:
Have your children bring some of their favorite board games down to the table. It's game night.

Background:

Playing games at Christmas time was a tradition that started in England in the late Medieval or early Renaissance times. There were a wide variety of games from which to choose. Some were outdoor games and athletic matches. Later, the games were quieter and meant to be played in a parlor.

One outdoor game, Prisoner's Base, was so popular that the streets were jammed with people. King Edward III banned the game from being played outside Westminister Palace to prevent congestion. Other popular games included Blind Man's Bluff, Leap Frog, and an early version of Hide and Seek. Indoor games included lively rounds of Charades and many different card games.

On a personal note, growing up my family had a tradition that I loved. There was one present that we opened on Christmas Eve. This present was "To" the entire family and was always a game. After dinner, we opened the game and played it until late that night.

I hope you enjoy playing some games with your children! God bless!

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