_edited.jpg){kind=logo}
Advent is a special time to pause, reflect, and prepare for Christmas. While the season can be busy, it’s possible to incorporate meaningful traditions without adding stress. Below are 10 simple family Advent activities that are fun, easy to plan, and create lasting memories.
1. Light an Advent Wreath
Create an Advent wreath together and light the candles each Sunday of Advent. You can make a traditional wreath with natural materials or try a simple, kid-friendly version like a handprint wreath. Each week, reflect on hope, peace, joy, and love as a family.
2. Create an Advent Calendar
Make or use a reusable Advent calendar to count down to Christmas. Fill it with daily surprises like small treats, notes of gratitude, or simple family activities. You could also make a paper chain to count down the days, or kindness calendar to focus on giving.
3. Decorate with Oranges
Create orange pomanders by pressing cloves into fresh oranges. This simple craft smells amazing and serves as a beautiful decoration. Alternatively, dry orange slices to hang on the tree or display in your home.
4. Practice Kindness
Set up a kindness jar or prepare a small manger with “straw” (shredded paper). Encourage kids to add to the jar or manger each time they do an act of kindness. Watch it fill up as you prepare your hearts and home for the joy of Christmas.
5. Enjoy Daily Storytime
Gather Christmas-themed books and read one or two each evening by the tree. Alternatively, listen to audiobooks like The Best Christmas Pageant Ever or A Christmas Carol. This calming tradition helps kids unwind and cherish the season.
6. Make Lanterns
Illuminate the dark winter nights by crafting simple lanterns. Use mason jars, tissue paper, and glue to make votive candle holders, or try tin-can lanterns. These make for cozy decorations and a reminder of the light Advent brings.
7. Move Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem
If you have a nativity scene, place Mary and Joseph far from the stable. Move them closer each day, reenacting their journey to Bethlehem. This interactive activity helps children connect with the Christmas story. Here is a great printable nativity scene you can use if you don't have a kid-friendly nativity at home.
8. Bake and Share Treats
Spend a cozy afternoon baking holiday cookies or making simple treats. Share them with neighbors, friends, or someone in need to spread the love of the season. Involve kids in decorating and delivering the goodies. Here are some cute and fun baking projects to make with kids.
9. Create a Prayer Tree
Create a tree full of love, joy, and reflection to share on Christmas Day!
What You’ll Need
A mug or small bucket
A small piece of Styrofoam
A wooden skewer
Colorful scrap paper
A pen or pencil
A small hole punch
Steps
Prepare the Base - Place the Styrofoam inside the mug or bucket.
Add the Skewer - Ask an adult to help you gently push the dull end of the wooden skewer into the center of the Styrofoam.
Write Memories and Prayers - Cut the scrap paper into small pieces. Invite family members to write down a favorite memory from the year or a prayer for someone special on each piece of paper.
Build Your Tree - Fold each piece of paper into a square. If the paper is thick, use a hole punch to make a hole in the center. Starting with the largest squares, slide the papers onto the skewer to form the shape of a Christmas tree.
Share on Christmas Day - On Christmas morning, take turns opening the papers and sharing the memories and prayers together!
10. Light a Candle for Peace
Gather as a family to light a candle and reflect on peace. Encourage kids to share how they can bring kindness to others. Play or sing “Light a Candle for Peace” and take a moment to connect as a family.
Keeping Advent Simple
These activities are designed to fit seamlessly into busy schedules. Pick the ones that resonate most with your family and enjoy a season filled with love, reflection, and connection.
What are your favorite Advent traditions? Share them in the comments below!
Comentários