EDITOR'S NOTE: We sold out of the Mary dolls and are hopefully getting a small batch before Christmas. Sign up to be notified on the Mary doll listing.
Each day Mary is moved around your house as she prepares for her new baby. Mary is busy "nesting" and doing simple, ordinary tasks. When the children find her in the morning, Mary delivers a small act of kindness that they can perform that day. The note can be tucked into the tiny tote bag that comes with our Mary dolls.
The idea is that we prepare our hearts to receive Jesus in the manger by loving others. With the Elf on the Shelf, it is said that he tells Santa if little boys and girls are good or bad. We really encourage you to stay away from this concept of Mary telling Jesus if children are good or bad and rather teach them that Mary is a friend, a companion, a confidant who helps them be more compassionate.
There are so many cute ways you can immerse your children in the Advent and Christmas story. As it gets closer to Christmas, Mary can receive a piece of mail that tells them they need to travel for the census. She can then begin the journey to Bethlehem. The day before there might even be a sign that says No Room in the Inn! You can also make Mary's belly "grow." Add paper towels, fabric, or a little pillow underneath her dress!
We know there are so many responsibilities right now and being the Mary mover might feel like just another added thing. Hopefully this list below makes it easy for you to do. Pick and choose acts that are age appropriate for your children and of course make up your own, if you wish!
Share your Mary on the Mantel journey on social media with the hashtag #maryonthemantel and be sure to tag us @beaheartdesign!! We will be sharing your photos throughout the month.
Lastly, the Advent coloring sheet is a fun add on for children to visually understand how many days until Christmas and that Christmas is an entire season, not just a day!
Ideas for Mary's Preparation
Mary sets out Advent wreath and candles with matches
Make a little baby shower scene for Mary
Mary sits by a home altar or bed praying
Mary rests with her feet up
Mary reads the Bible
Mary drinks a cup of tea
Mary tidies toys
Mary does the laundry (washes and folds baby clothes)
Mary visits Elizabeth
Mary receives a letter with the census announcement
Mary rides a donkey (or another animal)
Mary packs a suitcase
Mary reads a book about having a baby
Mary cooks
Mary sweeps
Mary writes Christmas cards
Mary prepares the tree
Mary hangs stockings
Mary sits on the Mantel
Mary wraps presents
Mary goes to the doctor
Mary makes the bed
Mary dusts
Mary goes grocery shopping
Mary bakes cookies
Mary reads a books
Mary sews a baby blanket
Mary eats lots of carbs!
Mary soaks her feet in a bath
Mary playing music or singing
Mary gets a prenatal massage
Mary naps
Mary stretches over a ball
Mary gardens/waters plants
Mary cooks enough food to fill the manger
Mary eats ice cream
Mary holds things in her heart
Mary notices something beautiful
Mary serves something
Mary sings the magnificat
Mary writes a letter to Elizabeth
Mary practices swaddling
Mary takes a bath
Mary in lamaze class
Mary does dishes
Mary talks to baby Jesus in her womb
Mary researches the best route to Bethlehem on a map.
Ideas for Acts of Kindness:
Go through toys that you don’t use anymore to donate to a foster home.
Go through your clothes to donate things you don’t wear anymore.
Ask your mom for an extra chore that you can do to help.