Several years ago, best-selling author Ann Voskamp shared some of her family Advent and Christmas traditions in a CT interview—including describing their decision to hang a Christmas tree upside down in their home! She explained the reason to Sharon Hodde Miller:

We have this little tree that's hung from the ceiling to remind us that we want an upside-down Christmas, that Jesus came to turn things upside down. And if we're the Advent people awaiting the King who's going to bring an upside-down kingdom, how are we going to live an upside down Christmas? It's a beautiful reminder to us: If we're just consumers, we can be consumed, so how do we turn that around and give the gift back in some beautiful way to the people who need it?

Voskamp highlights several other important themes, including some thoughts on how she, as a mom of six, goes about seeking simplicity during the busyness of the holidays. “A simplified Christmas isn't about circumstances as much as it is about focus,” Voskamp emphasizes. “How do we focus simply on Christ?” It’s a good question for all of us to ponder as our families get ready for Christmas.