A Waldorf-Inspired Advent: Week Four
As the days grow shorter and darker here in New England, I appreciate traditions that bring warmth and light into our home. Waldorf Advent traditions center around the light- carrying light in the darkness, honoring the light of the natural world, and sharing our inner light. These traditions invite us to celebrate the gifts of nature and deepen our connection with the world, ourselves, and one another. My hope for this season is to focus on connection, slowing down, and nurturing my daughter’s sense of wonder, gratitude, and generosity.
On the fourth Sunday of Advent, we read the third line from Rudolph Steiner’s verse The Four Lights of Advent:
The fourth light of Advent is the human light—
The light of hope and of thought, to know and do what’s right.
This week, as we light the fourth candle, we turn our attention to humankind. Like the stones, plants, and animals, we are part of the Earth, but we are also gifted with the ability to think, to choose, and to love consciously. Humans carry a unique responsibility: to care for the world and for one another with awareness and compassion.
We can reflect on what it means to be human: our capacity for kindness, creativity, courage, and empathy. We can notice the light we carry within us and how our thoughts, words, and actions can bring warmth and hope to others. When we act with care and love, we help the world become a more peaceful and beautiful place.
This week, we can talk about ways we care for one another: helping someone in need, speaking kindly, listening to understand, and working together.
We light an Advent candle and decorate our seasonal table with toys, crafts, and art to represent humankind.
This year, I’m integrating this Advent celebration into our Advent calendar. Each Advent calendar pocket will hold a card with an activity or craft, and one small gift per week. All week, we’ll be connecting with our inner light through activities, including crafting a gift to give. We’ll also be reading some themed books and making a recipe.
Week 4: Humankind
Activities:
This week, we’re keeping our activities simple and focused on generosity and family connection.
Make hot cocoa and play board games
Donate holiday food to the community fridge/pantry
Drop off cookies to neighbors & friends
Have a picnic dinner under the Christmas tree
Family dance party
Craft a gift to give: holiday collage cards
Small gift:
Peg Dolls
This week’s small gift will be handmade peg dolls. I made this set to accompany the book “The Story of the Snow Children”.
I’d love to hear about your family’s holiday traditions in the comments!