Advent Season at The Minnesota Waldorf School
Sharing this season with children offers them chances to savor the light and notice each passing day as Christmas approaches. Advent traditions and rituals create quiet pauses and meaningful moments of connection throughout this hopeful time.
Growing out of autumn’s deepening inwardness, there begins to stir a longing, an expectation, a hope. Advent is a time of looking forward, of anticipation, of preparation for the return of the light. We are looking towards the midnight of the year, and to that turning point when the shortest day is past and the sun turns earthward again with the promise of light, warmth, and life renewed.
We have entered into these darkest days of the year strengthened by Michaelmas and ignited in compassion by Martinmas. With the Advent Spiral we begin the next journey of the festival cycle.
Week 1: The Mineral Kingdom Grades Verse The first Light of Advent Glows warmly in stones, Glimmering in crystals And seashells and bones.
Early Childhood Verse: The first light of Advent Is the light of the stones Light that shines through Seashells, crystals and bones.
Week 2: The Plant Kingdom Grades Verse The second Light of Advent Breathes brightly through plants Weaving living sunlight In the world’s wide expanse.
Early Childhood Verse: The second light of Advent Is the light of the plants. Plants that reach to the sun, And in the breezes, dance.
Week 3: The Animal Kingdom Grades Verse The third Light of Advent Through animals sings As the light of their eyes And the rhythm of wings.
Early Childhood Verse: The third light of Advent Is the light of the beasts The light of hope that shines, In the greatest and the least.
Week 4: Humankind Grades Verse The fourth Light of Advent In the human soul is borne As the Child of Holy Love On Blessed Christmas Morn.
Early Childhood Verse: The fourth light of Advent Is the light of man The light that shines love to give and understand.
Advent Spiral Walk Details
Early Childhood Advent Spiral: Festival Hall
Wednesday December 6th
The Kindergarten Spiral will begin at 8:35am and the Preschool Spiral will begin at 9:20am knowing that little ones have their own timeframe.
Children will go to the festival with their classes.
Grades Advent Spiral: Festival Hall
Wednesday December 6th, please have students arrive at 5:50pm
Children will meet their teachers in their classrooms while parents will find a seat in the festival hall.
Per our media policy we request that you enjoy the festivals in the present moment and not through the lens of your camera. Please let any guests you invite know of this request.