Don't just give something up for Lent Gather your family, and with Kate Basi's fresh ideas, you will Bring Lent to Life Fasting is not just giving up candy, almsgiving is more than giving away your unused allowance, and prayer becomes active. Embark on the adventure of practicing the three tenets of Lent in new ways: -The Easter Tree grows with symbols (nails, an empty egg, three dimes and more) rooted in Scripture, and blooms with flowers through your Lenten observance. - Sunday Love Letters (and drawings) share the love of Christ with family members. - Crafts, family outings, recipes, and other activities help reveal the meaning of Lent.

Here's a treasure trove of exciting ideas that will enable your family to focus anew on preparing for the holy time of Advent and Christmas! With a fresh, lively set of suggestions that will attract young and old alike, Joy to the World will help lay the foundation for long-lasting family memories.

"Joy to the World" takes a three-pronged approach to the season:

The Advent calendar, where daily activities are organized into four categories of Service, Spiritual Growth, "Homebody," and Pure Fun

The Evening Ritual, incorporating the Advent wreath and the Jesse tree, and featuring simplified Scriptures that young children can readily understand

The "Good Deeds Manger," which puts the family's focus on preparing their hearts for the coming of Christ