Jesse Tree….A History of the Season!

I learned about the Jesse Tree last year and we loved the tradition.  Very Catholic (at least all the websites with info are anyway)….who knew.  I grew up going to Catholic school.  The Jesse Tree is very similar to perhaps an Advent calendar/wreath but focuses more on the history behind this time of year. So we have both an Advent Calendar and a Jesse Tree!  The kids love it =)

Our Jesse Tree looks a bit different this year…..yes sticks !  We have been doing so much hiking that I thought we would make our tree of sticks in one of the many mason jars we have at home.  I did paint a few of the sticks white because they are recycled from our Thanksgiving centerpiece.  (The bird hanging is not a part of the Jesse Tree tradition but represents a friend going through a rough pregnancy.  Just a daily reminder for us to pray for her, baby and their family.)

Yes, and once again I opted out of the sewing of ornaments and went the easy route.  The kiddos are coloring the ornaments each day as we go along.  They actually love that part.

December 1st….our first ornament and devotion.  We are using the same book we used last year The Advent Jesse Tree by Dean Lambert Smith. I found many fantastic blogs & sites with ideas and free stuff.  Here is the one we used to print the ornaments to color Jesse Tree Printable Ornaments.

Hope you too are starting or continuing wonderful holiday traditions.  And of course please do share!  After all, where do you think I get all my ideas from