As we near the end of the year, cultures around the world prepare for celebrations of light during the darkest time of the year. At Great Oak, Advent preparations will soon be underway. Each year, an advent spiral of boughs and other greenery is created for the students to walk through. They bring unlit candles in, light them in the center, and find a place to set them on their way out, lighting the path for those following.

This time of year, we seek to reconnect with nature by focusing on a different kingdom in nature. Week one focuses on the mineral kingdom, week two the plant kingdom, week three the kingdom of beasts, and week four human beings. During each week, items representing the kingdom will be placed among the greenery of the advent spiral.