A Waldorf-Inspired Advent: Week Three
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. During the darkest days of the year, we carry hope for the returning light of the winter solstice, and remember that the light always comes back. 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 third Sunday of Advent, we read the third line from Rudolph Steiner’s verse The Four Lights of Advent:
The third light of Advent is the light of beasts—
That shines in all creatures, in greatest and in least.
This week, we can reflect on our interconnectedness with all creatures on Earth. We can explore the lessons that animals offer us: trusting our instincts, practicing patience, and learning to adapt to life’s changes. At the same time, caring for animals teaches us compassion, responsibility, and the joy of nurturing others. By observing and interacting with the creatures around us, we deepen our empathy, connect with nature, and practice living in harmony with the world. We can talk about things we can do or already do to care for wildlife: recycling, composting, picking up litter, planting native species, providing birdseed all winter for the birds, etc.
We light an Advent candle and decorate our seasonal table with toys, crafts, and art to represent the animal kingdom.
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 the plant kingdom through activities, including crafting a gift to give. We’ll also be reading some themed books and making a recipe.
Week 3: Animals
Activities:
Pinecone Snowy Owl
Collect pinecones to use for this cute craft. Click here for instructions on the Frugal Fun Blog.
Nature Walk
Look for animal tracks and try to identify them. If you see animals, observe what they’re doing this time of year.
Pretend to Hibernate
Grab all the couch cushions and blankets to make a fort and pretend to be a hibernating animal!
Craft an Animal Den
Craft an animal den to play with. Try making one with papier mache, a small box, or a paper bag.
Decorate a Tree for Wildlife
Hang edible decorations on an outdoor tree for birds and other wildlife! They enjoy foods like dried oranges and apples, birdseed ornaments, nuts, cranberries, and popcorn garlands. Pair this activity with the book Night Tree by Eve Bunting.
Craft a Gift to Give: Birdseed Ornaments
With just a few ingredients, you can create charming little bird feeders. Click here for instructions.
Small gift:
Animal Figurine
This week’s small gift will be an animal figurine. We are fans of Ostheimer, Holztiger, and Schleich. A handmade felted animal would be great too!
Recipe:
Hedgehog Cookies
These are just simple shortbread cookies shaped like hedgehogs and decorated with chocolate. Coat them with coconut or nuts.
Books to read:
Night Tree
This story follows a family’s yearly tradition of decorating a tree as a gift for wildlife. It celebrates nature, kindness, and the magic of simple rituals.
Over and Under The Snow
This story follows a child and parent as they ski through the quiet forest. It beautifully explores the hidden world beneath winter’s surface.
The Mitten
A charming winter tale with beautiful illustrations, gentle humor, and folk-tale warmth.
Winter: A Solstice Story
A gentle story of generosity and coming together on the winter solstice, as woodland friends gather—each offering a small gift and sharing their light.
The Lightbringers
An enchanting story about nature’s cycles centered on the winter solstice, where small creatures carry hope through the darkness and remind us that the light always returns.
Whose Tracks in the Snow?
An engaging exploration of winter wildlife, following tracks in the snow to uncover the creatures that made them.
I’d love to hear about your family’s holiday traditions in the comments!