Advent with Paperwhites

One of my favorite holiday traditions is forcing bulbs. Paperwhites especially. The anticipation of the flower blossoms are a reminder of Advent and the anticipation of Christ's arrival on Christmas day. For less than a dollar a bulb it's a great and affordable way to brighten up a stairwell, mantel, windowsill and even a great hostess gift. The fragrance is intoxicating when they are in full bloom. 

Each bulb looks like a little onion and the bottom is the part that has a rough surface. The top is obviously the little sprouting end. You will need bulbs, river rocks, or dirt, and a container.

You can use fancier rocks if you put the bulbs in glass. I love smooth river rocks in a clear glass vase but these simple river rocks were $6.00 and work perfectly.

Fill will rocks half way up the container. Place bulbs on the top of rocks.

Add more rocks half way up the bulb, filling the container as far as you can.

Fill with water about a half an inch up the bulb. You want to keep the roots wet.

Pick other cute containers and repeat. These little bulbs will grow in just about any small container. 

Just add water, wait, patiently and joyfully with anticipation.

One of my Episcopal priest pals on Facebook posted this quote about Advent this past Sunday:

‎"...In the orchestra pit, the violin bows are poised. The conductor has raised his baton. ...The extraordinary thing that is about to happen is matched only by the extraordinary moment just before it happens. Advent is the name of that moment.”
— Frederick Buechner, Whistling in the Dark

Sending you best wishes for patience and joyful waiting this Advent season. Wishing our darling Baby Nephew the happiest of first birthdays today. We can't wait to hug and squeeze you soon.