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🎄The Broken Ornament by Tony Diterlizzi - Christmas Books Read Aloud

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Sneezy The Snowman - Maureen Wright -  Read Aloud Christmas Book - Kid's Winter Storytime - ESL

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Never Let a Unicorn Meet a Reindeer by Diane Alber

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Never Let a Unicorn Meet a Reindeer by Diane Alber

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🎄Kids Read Aloud Story : Never Let A Unicorn Meet A Reindeer By Diane Alber

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Note: Affiliate links may be used in this post. I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through my affiliate link. Read my full disclosure policy here.

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Note: Affiliate links may be used in this post. I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through my affiliate link. Read my full disclosure policy here.Advent is one of our family's favourite liturgical seasons. We take a break from some of our regular studies to...

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The Jesse Tree is a beautiful Advent tradition that many Christians use to prepare for the coming of Christ at Christmas. It's a kind of special Advent countdown calendar that is focused on the true meaning of the season, and it is a great way to teach children about the plan of redemption from creation through salvation, tying the Old Testament to the New Testament! It is not hard or complicated, and it does NOT have to involve a ton of work or money! Keep reading and I will explain it all to you. This is a very doable Advent tradition for families, and even classrooms. In this post, I am going to explain the Jesse Tree devotion so you can understand and start incorporating this beautiful tradition in your home.

It starts on December 1st with Creation, and ends with the birth of Jesus on December 25. The name comes from Isaiah 11:1:

"But a shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse, and from his roots a bud shall blossom."

All through Advent, we hear scripture readings at Mass that remind us of the ancestors of Jesus, so this is an especially great pairing for Catholics!

Jesse Tree Basics And How To Get Started

The basic concept behind a Jess Tree is that you have one ornament for each day in December, and it counts down to the coming of Christ on the 25th. Each ornament stands for a person or event from the Old Testament that leads up to the coming of Christ. Every evening, you hang an ornament on the tree that symbolizes that biblical event and do a small reading or devotional about that Bible story.

What You Need To Start A Jesse Tree

You only need 3 things to get started! Ornaments, a tree of some kind, and a Bible. That's it!

1. Jesse Tree Ornaments

Each ornament that goes on the Jesse tree has a symbol that represents an event or a person leading up to the foretold coming of the Messiah. Different people use different symbols and scripture, meaning there is no standard or official list, so feel free to find a version you think is a good fit for your family.
You have 3 options for obtaining Jesse Tree ornaments:

Print Jesse Tree ornaments

Craft Jesse Tree ornaments

Purchase Jesse Tree ornaments

The easiest cheap way to accomplish this is to print a set online. Easy peasy! I actually do have a printable set available that you can check out here. My set prints in color AND in black and white so you can either choose to color your own or print them totally ready for your Jesse Tree- your choice.
Printable Jesse Tree Ornaments
You could also craft them from felt, paint them on wood, mold them from clay, or make them in any other number of ways! It's a great excuse to get creative! You only have to make the Jesse Tree ornaments once and they can be used year after year, so they become and keepsake and it's an investment.

Some groups get together and do Jesse Tree ornament swaps, where each family makes a whole slew of just one of the ornaments, and then everyone trades so each family ends up with a complete set. (This is the same concept as my peg doll swap)

2. The Actual "Tree" Part

The basic idea is that you place the ornaments on a tree of some kind. This can be artificial, it can be a tree made out of felt, it can be magnetic, made out of sticks, or even a dead branch from the yard. Basically, you just need a place to display the ornament you put up each day, and however you want to do this is fine- there are no rules!

3. Bible Or Devotional Readings For Jesse Tree

Each night when you hang the ornament, you will want to read a little about that Bible story and say a prayer. Many families choose to print a devotional or use a children's bible rather than reading from the actual bible to keep it more applicable to children.
That is it! See... not so scary or overwhelming, right?
If you're still unsure, I think that Nancy from Catholic Sprouts does a beautiful job explaining the Jesse Tree devotions in this video. She not only explains how to do it, but why it's so important. Watch below.

List Of Jesse Tree Ornaments And Symbols

1. The World (Creation)

2. A Snake With An Apple Tree (The First Sin)

3. Ark With Rainbow (Noah)

4. Camel And Tent (Call To Abraham)

5. Lamb And Mountain (Isaac And The Lamb)

6. Ladder (Jacob's Ladder)

7. 10 Commandments (Moses)

8. Grapes (Canaan)

9. Wheat (Ruth)

10. Sling Shot (King David)

11. Scroll (Josiah)

12. Stump With Shoot (Jesse)

13. Lion And The Lamb

14. Dove And Crown (Prince Of Peace)

15. Shepherd's Staff

16. Cross (Suffering Servant)

17. Heart With Writing (New Covenant)

18. Bethlehem

19. Fiery Furnace (Exile)

20. Brick Wall (Return To The Land)

21. Star

22. Candle (Light Of The World)

23. Angel

24. Baby Jesus

DIY Jesse Tree Ornaments: Draw It Yourself!

You can now draw your very own set of Jesse Tree ornaments with my all new how to draw series for the Jesse Tree symbols. Get your how to draw Jesse Tree Ornaments videos here.

More Jesse Tree Resources For Families

If you are trying to plan out your Advent season with kids and incorporate devotions like this while balancing your time during the crazy holidays, I fully suggest my Advent/Christmas planner!

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Jesse Trees- What Is It And How To Get Started

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The Jesse Tree is a beautiful Advent tradition that many Christians use to prepare for the coming of Christ at Christmas. It's a kind of special Advent countdown calendar that is focused on the true meaning of the season, and it is a great way to teach children about the plan of redemption from creation through salvation, tying the Old Testament to the New Testament!

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Physics + Advent!
Use this unique Advent calendar to explore small experiments each day of advent.

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24 small, simple experiments and physics mysteries: an Advent calendar with a difference. Each day from 1st to 24th December there is a video clip of an experiment which you can do yourself afterwards.

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Lent is the name for the special time of the year just before Christmas, This is the beginning of a new church year., This counts down the days until Christmas., What do we prepare for during the season of Advent?

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Advent explained in 60 seconds. With LEGO!

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ADVENT ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS // ADVENT FOR KIDS // CATHOLIC ADVENT ACTIVITIES

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Peppermint Candy Water Experiment (Peppermint Water Science)

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VeggieTales - The 8 Polish Foods of Christmas

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VeggieTales - The 8 Polish Foods of Christmas

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VeggieTales Christmas Party:  The 8 Polish Foods of Christmas

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How you get ready for Christmas in England and Japan

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How you get ready for Christmas in England and Japan

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How You Get Ready for Christmas in England and Japan

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Top 10 Best Christmas Festivals from All Around The World

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Read about how different countries celebrate Christmas!

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All over the world, Christmas celebrations reflect local culture, history and traditions. The festivities can be startlingly different from country to country; focusing on different aspects of the origin and history. Often hailed "the most wonderful time of the year," Christmas is a season of unity. This doesn't just extend to family; Christmas is one of those rare occasions which truly unites people world-wide, across caste and creed, religion and ethnicity. What is fascinating is the different ways in which we see Christmas all over the world. In the following pages, we'll take a look at the different Christmas traditions in countries across the world, from Sweden to Australia, from England to China.

"Norwegian Christmas Tradition", 1846, Adolph Tidemand, Norwegian, 1814 - 1876

Christmas is celebrated in various ways around the world, and different cultures have their unique traditions and customs to mark this festive season. Here are some Christmas traditions from different countries and regions:

These are just a few examples of how Christmas is celebrated around the world. Each culture adds its own special touch to the holiday, making it a unique and meaningful experience for people of all backgrounds. Scroll Down for more:

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Christmas Around The World | Christmas traditions all over the world

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How Christmas is celebrated across the world. Christmas Traditions and history in different countries and cultures round the world like Brazil, America, Australia, Bahamas, Russia and many more! All the world comes together to celebrate in their own unique way. Discover the origins of Christmas traditions.

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Christmas Truce of 1914, World War I - For Sharing, For Peace

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"Christmas around the World" SONGS | Christmas Album | Slugs & Bugs

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Animated Christmas Short from Spain

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CGI 3D Animated Christmas Short: "A Shorter Letter" - by The Frank Barton Company | TheCGBros

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Read about how different countries all over the world celebrate Christmas!

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Christmas around the World on whychristmas?com

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Find out how Christmas is celebrated Around the World in lots of different Countries, Traditions and Cultures.

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Christmas Around the World - The Superbook Show

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An Aussie Night Before Christmas by Yvonne Morrison (book)

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An Aussie Night Before Christmas by Yvonne Morrison (book)

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The Nutcracker in Harlem by T.E. McMorrow

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The Nutcracker in Harlem by T.E. McMorrow

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The Nutcracker in Harlem | Read Aloud | Children's Book | Black Children Books | Christmas

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'Twas Nochebuena by Roseanne Greenfield Thong (book)

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'Twas Nochebuena by Roseanne Greenfield Thong (book)

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If You Ever Want to Bring a Pirate to Meet Santa, Don't! by Elise Parsley

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If You Ever Want to Bring a Pirate to Meet Santa, Don't! by Elise Parsley

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Ms. Ocasio Reads… If You Ever Want to Bring a Pirate to Meet Santa, Don't!  | Bed Time Read For Kids

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This is a long video featuring Nativity sets around the world. Feel free to click forward and backward in the video to learn and see sets from different countries!

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The Crayons' Christmas | Books Read Aloud for Kids | Rocking Chair Reading

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The Christmas Crocodile by Bonnie Becker

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The Christmas Crocodile by Bonnie Becker

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54 Holiday Greetings from Around the World

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54 Holiday Greetings from Around the World

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How To Draw Funny Figgy Pudding For Christmas

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The Legend of the Poinsettia retold by Tomie dePaola (read along book)

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The Legend of the Poinsettia retold by Tomie dePaola (read along book)

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CELEBRATE! The Holidays by Sophia Day (read along book)

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CELEBRATE! The Holidays by Sophia Day (read along book)

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CELEBRATE! The Holidays 🎁 DIVERSE CULTURE story book SPIRIT of GIVING follow along reading book

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Ojo de Dios (God's Eye) Christmas Ornament (craft)

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Ojo de Dios (God's Eye) Christmas Ornament (craft)

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Supplies:
- 2 sticks (Popsicle sticks, yard sticks, craft sticks, ect)
- any type of yarn/string (yarn, string, ribbon, twine, ect)

*If you have trouble following the step by step directions try searching for a "How to" video on Youtube

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Have you ever tried making an Ojo de Dios? It's a great weaving craft for kids (my daughter loves making them). They also make cute decorations, DIY ornaments or handmade gifts from kids.

According to Wikipedia, Ojo de Dios or God's Eye is:
"a spiritual and votive object made by weaving a design out of yarn upon a wooden cross. Often several colors are used. They are commonly found in Mexican and Mexican American communities, among both Indigenous and Catholic peoples."
The symbol means the power to see and understand things. Follow the tutorial below to make your own Ojo de Dios craft with tassels and pom poms.
Material:

2 wooden craft sticks (can ce any typa of craft stick)

2 Pom poms beads

Colored embroidery threads

Scissors

Instructions:
For each one chose 2 or 3 colored threads before your start.

1. Select two sticks and choose two or more balls of colorful threads.

2. Take your first colored thread and use the end to tie the two sticks together in the middle. You also can glue the sticks together.

3. Now open up the sticks to make a cross and wrap the yarn in the opposite direction until it feels secure.

4. Start looping the yarn around each stick in turn, as shown.

5. When you are ready to move onto the next color tie a simple knot and snip off the end of the thread.

6. Now tie the end of your next thread to one of the sticks and begin looping the thread around each stick as before.

7. For a neat finish, keep the end of the previous color flush to the stick and wrap the colored thread around it as you go.

8. Now you are done with your Ojo de Dios.

9. Tassel is optional but here a quick way to make one. Take your embroidery yarn and cut 2 strings out of it. With the first string and a the top of your embroidery yarn make a knot. With the second string make a know just bellow the first one you just made. Cut your embroidery yarn at the center and you are done.

10. Add your 2 pom poms on top and on the bottom. For the top take a piece of thread make a knot at the end and attached it to your stick (that way you will be able to hang it) To finish add your tassel at the bottom.

Don't these make gorgeous decorations for the tree? Check out more creative holiday crafts HERE.

Marie-Laure, is an Architect first, a mom of two, but also a Do It Yourself kind of girl. She LOVES CRAFTING. Her blog La Maison de Loulou is a piece of her with simple and fun crafts, ideas, projects, and activities to do with your kids at anytime. Her children Louise and Roman are her inspiration and all the DIY's are made for them to have fun. Toys, games, costumes..she loves exploring the kids world with her own twist.

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Have you ever tried making an Ojo de Dios? It's a great weaving craft for kids (my daughter loves making them). They also make cute decorations, DIY ornaments or handmade gifts from kids. According to Wikipedia, Ojo de Dios or God's Eye is: "a spiritual and votive object made by weaving a design out of yarn upon a wooden cross.

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Paper Santa Lucia Crowns and Hats (craft)

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Paper Santa Lucia Crowns and Hats (craft)

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Paper Santa Lucia crowns and hats | | Kiddley

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Stephanie from Little Birds Handmade kindly sent us this seasonal craft December 13th is Santa Lucia Day! You can read more about how Santa Lucia is celebrated in Scandinavia here. We decided to create our own versions of the candle crown traditionally worn by the eldest...

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Christmas Celtic Sojourn: Brush Dance (Traditional Irish)

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10 Wonderful Christmas Traditions From Around The World

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Kids Try Christmas Food From Around the World | Kids Try | HiHo Kids

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Learn about other countries with Christmas Around the World Crafts - Germany, China, Sweden, Philippines, England, & Mexico!

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How do we celebrate Christmas around the world?

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How do we celebrate Christmas around the world?

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Facts and information from 31 different countries around the world!

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by kidworldcitizen

Christmas around the world is celebrated with such fascinating, distinct traditions! From carp in the bathtub, popping crackers at the dinner table, to piñatas and pig roasts: learn how each country celebrates this important Christian holiday. Click on the pictures below to learn how 31 different countries celebrate Christmas, including their traditions, yummy recipes, customs, and unique activities.

CLICK the country titles or photos for MORE INFO!

Las Posadas Bilingual Minibook

Learn even more about Christmas in Mexico! In this bilingual Spanish-English minibook, kids will get a feeling for how Las Posadas is celebrated at Christmas in Mexico. It's a great project for school or home use. Las Posadas is a beautiful cultural tradition that is both unique and festive!
Go now >

So many distinct and beautiful traditions, recipes, and crafts for Christmas around the world! Do you have a favorite tradition that we missed? Let me know in the comments and I will try to include it! 🙂 I am constantly adding to the list, so check back for future Christmas around the world additions.

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Filed Under: Tagged With: Africa, Christmas, traditions Arts and Crafts, Asia, Australia, Australia and Oceania, Canada, Celebrations, China, Europe, Food, France, Germany, Italy, Jamaica, Kenya, Latin America, Mexico, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, The Netherlands, The Philippines, UK

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Christmas around the World with Recipes, Crafts, Activities, and Traditions!

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by kidworldcitizen Christmas around the world is celebrated with such fascinating, distinct traditions! From carp in the bathtub, popping crackers at the dinner table, to piñatas and pig roasts: learn how each country celebrates this important Christian holiday. Click on the pictures below to learn how 31 different countries celebrate Christmas, including their traditions, yummy recipes, customs, and unique activities.