Awake, my soul! Awake harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn. - Psalm 108
The idea of the “prepared environment” is central to the pedagogy of Maria Montessori. Applying the insights of St. Thomas Aquinas concerning the senses and intellect, Montessori saw the necessity of cultivating experiences in the classroom that move the mind to truth and meaning. The humble environment of the home can similarly awaken its members and guests to spiritual realities.
As an opportunity for penitence, simplicity, and watchfulness, parents can determine how “toned down” the Advent season should be. The aim, however, is not to be legalistic. Advent activities can be focused around the home shrine or room shrine, the wreath, the tree; whatever draws the family toward joyful contemplation of the coming Lord.
Home Shrine
A Home Shrine (or holy corner) is an area of the home reserved for family prayer. Typically a crucifix and picture of the Blessed Mother is placed here, along with other religious objects special to the family. Some families prefer the shrine to stay the same throughout the years; others use it more similarly to a Marian pilgrimage site. Over time the shrine becomes crowded with treasures for Our Lady: photos of loved ones, children’s artwork, candles, flowers, statues, and the like.
The home shrine can be refreshed for each liturgical season. During Advent, the prayer cloth might change to purple and everything but the cross and icon removed; or the shrine might house the nativity set. Growing plants here can also be an effective way to show the silent unfolding of life in God’s plan of salvation. The St. Barbara’s Branch is an age-old practice of cutting a flowering tree branch to keep warm in the house so that it will bloom before Christmas. Amaryllis or paperwhites are a little easier to obtain, and have a similar blooming habit. Wheatgrass is another easy growing activity--and here the children can experience the process from seed to harvest.
Toddler/Pre-K/K Room Shrine, Montessori Inspired
Often we enfold the littlest children into the larger family prayer time with a fidget toy like a rosary, or pencil and paper to keep occupied - an important inclusion in the rhythm of family prayer. Placing a room shrine in the nursery or bedroom can draw them in more directly. In the Montessori approach, learning materials are always kept at the child’s eye level. As much as possible, materials are natural - wood, fabric, metal, clay, etc. (i.e., avoiding plastics) - and sized to be manipulated by small hands. (This is why children cannot resist touching things in a Montessori classroom.)
A small wall shelf, shoe shelf, or 2-cube shelf can serve for the shrine structure. Toddlers will want to touch and likely squirrel the shrine objects around the house, so keep this in mind when designing. Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (an offshoot of Montessori) recommends including a baptismal photo, statue of the Good Shepherd, a San Damiano cross. Other suggestions: a favorite image of Our Lady, the child’s patron saint, holy water font, etc. A small box of religious items can be kept separately from the shrine with items the child can choose to display during prayer time. (In the CGS “Atrium,” the class sets the prayer table in a similar way.)
A tiny vase for flowers is a popular prayer table item. This allows for the lovely “flower arranging” Montessori lesson. The child cuts flowers from the outdoors or from a larger store-bought bouquet and places them in a bud vase, practicing scissor skills, hand-eye-coordination, and appreciation for the beauty of nature. (Older children - or adults - are never too old to practice flower arranging!)
Scripture cards are another “shrine box” item. The cards can have hand-written or printed Bible verses. The children may like to decorate these. At prayer time, let the child pick a Scripture card for mom or dad to read slowly. It’s a wonderful habit to light a candle whenever the scriptures are read in the home. If an electric candle is the only option, that’s better than nothing!
Food and Decorations
Children, as sensory beings, respond powerfully to a lovingly prepared environment. Involve them as much as possible in making and setting out Advent/Christmas decorations, being mindful of simplicity and the gradual buildup to the 12 Days of Christmas.
Keeping a bowl of oranges and nuts to snack on after family prayer is a simple way to enjoy food together but not be overwhelmed with sugary treats. Some children also enjoy sweetened steamed milk or herbal tea before bed - a cozy way to connect.
Christmas Tree
Some families like to put up the Christmas tree right away, while others might wait till Christmas Eve. If the tree is already up, think of easy ways to incorporate family prayer, such as adding Jesse Tree ornaments each day, adding to a paper chain with prayers, or adding more ornaments on Gaudete Sunday, for example.