I am so excited about having an advent calendar this year! Last year I was thinking of activities last minute and shoving them in the doors when the kids weren’t looking. But this time I’ve got a plan! And I’ll share it with you.

I’m adding a few new things to our Christmas activity list. I thought it might be fun to take the kids to pick out their own presents for family members at the dollar store. I’m also going to let them decorate their own rooms with lights, paper snowflakes and their own crafts.

One more thing. I’ve read about throwing Jesus a birthday party with cake and balloons. That would be fun Christmas day in the afternoon when we’re all staring at each other! Kids love a birthday party and this is a great way to keep the focus on Jesus.

Advent means the arrival of a notable person, thing, or event. We’re counting down the days until we celebrate Christ’s birth — the most notable person of all! Here is what is written inside our little advent house. I tried to think of activities that work for all ages, young and old, so we can do them together over the years!

Click to download high-res image.
If you would like a list without the numbers so you can go in any order click here.

Here are some giving activities to do with the kids in addition to the advent calendar. Because, let’s face it, if your kid pulls “donate your toys” out of the calendar it might be a little bit disappointing. Some of these things will take finesse, but they are very much worth it:

• Buy presents or donate toys for children in need.
• Go to grocery store or look in the pantry for food to donate to local food bank.
• Volunteer at a food bank.
• Do a chore for an elderly neighbor.
• Send a soldier a care package.
• Take some goodies to the fire station or hospital ER desk.

Do you do an advent calendar? What are your family holiday traditions?

• See how the advent activities are going at our house on Instagram.

More activities

Watercolor print by freepik.com.