Advent: Where Table Manners and Fire Collide

As usual, my kids are finding ways to sink to a new low around the Advent wreath.

I'm spending a lot of time employing the Mom Glare in the vain hope that it will discourage the Big Kids from putting out the candle with a wet finger--mostly because I don't want Little Brother trying this.

And then, overheard tonight: "I like to put the candle out with my spit."

This is where we parents say the kinds of things we never thought we'd need to say: "No spitting on the Advent Wreath!"

Next year, I'm thinking we'll switch to battery-operated candles. They're not only safer, they're more hygienic.