The first time I discovered the idea of advent I knew I wanted to incorporate it into our Christmas traditions. However the idea of prepping 25 days of activities was more than slightly overwhelming. Many years later I’ve found so many activities can be done with very little prep besides knowing what day we’re doing something. Then I reserve a handful of activities that require some forethought like supplies or ingredients.
IN THE KITCHEN
- bake cookies
- gourmet hot chocolate
- popcorn balls
- breakfast for dinner
- gingerbread house
- dessert for breakfast
GET CRAFTY
- paper snowflakes
- Christmas coloring pages
- make ornaments
- make snow globes
- popcorn/dried oranges garland
- cinnamon dough ornaments
- make a birdfeeder
FAMILY TIME
- neighborhood walk in the moonlight
- Christmas light drive
- watch a Christmas movie
- pick a tree
- decorate the tree
- decorate the house
- write Christmas letters to family
- Pajama Day!
- build a fort
- read a Christmas story
- go ice skating
- call the Grandparents
- game night
- take a Christmas photo
- dinner by candlelight
- picnic by the tree
- stargaze under blankets
- learn a carol
- memorize a bible verse
- read the story of Jesus
COMMUNITY
- visit the neighbors (brings treats!)
- deliver goodies to local firehouse, hospital staff, nursing home etc.
- make and deliver gifts to teachers
- donate old clothes/ toys
- pay it forward
- volunteer at the local animal shelter
- find a tree lighting
- attend Christmas mass
Personally, and even before we did advent activities, the whole family gets new pj’s to open and wear every Christmas Eve. It does count as our last advent activity and is the only day where the activity is a gift. I love this one since the next morning everyone is matching and particularly cute in pj’s that are clean and fit well while Mom is taking pictures!
Many of these can be combined or broken up into multiple days. You could take your gourmet hot chocolate for a moonlit walk. Prepare cookie dough one day and bake another. Take the whole month to read A Christmas Carol or the story of Jesus and end on Christmas Eve. Build a fort on Pajama Day. And remember to schedule in school parties or plays, work commitments or family gatherings.
