Making the Holidays Magical: Creating Family Advent Calendars
Dec 02, 2024
Advent calendars are a beloved tradition for many families, offering a daily dose of excitement and joy as the holidays approach. They’re not just about counting down the days to Christmas; they’re an opportunity to bond, build anticipation, and incorporate meaningful traditions into your family’s holiday season.
Whether you prefer store-bought options or DIY creations, advent calendars can be tailored to fit your family’s interests and values. Here’s a guide to why advent calendars are so special, plus creative ideas to inspire your own.
Why Advent Calendars Are a Holiday Treasure
Daily Connection
Advent calendars create moments for families to come together each day, even during the busiest season.
Builds Anticipation
Kids (and adults!) love the excitement of revealing a surprise each day.
Encourages Reflection
Gratitude or kindness-themed calendars can shift the focus from material gifts to the true spirit of the season.
Fosters Creativity
DIY advent calendars let families collaborate on something unique and personal. Advent calendars remind us to slow down, savor the season, and celebrate the small joys that make the holidays magical.
Creative Advent Calendar Ideas for Families
1. Gratitude Advent Calendar
Each day, write down one thing you’re grateful for and place it in a jar or on a gratitude tree.
Supplies Needed: Paper slips, a jar or small tree, and markers.
How-To: Create numbered envelopes or tags, each with a prompt like “What made you smile today?” or “What’s a favorite holiday memory?”
2. Kindness Advent Calendar
Encourage acts of kindness to spread holiday cheer.
• Examples of Daily Activities:
• Bake cookies for a neighbor.
• Leave a kind note for a friend.
• Donate gently used toys to a local charity.
Check out These Kindness Advent Calendars that I purchased for my own children this year by Sharing Kindness HERE
3. DIY Activity-Based Advent Calendar
Fill each day with a holiday-themed activity your family can enjoy together.
Ideas for Activities:
• Watch a holiday movie.
• Make homemade ornaments.
• Go on a drive to see holiday lights.
DIY Tip: Use small envelopes or gift bags to hold activity cards.
4. Book Advent Calendar
Wrap 24 holiday or winter-themed books and open one each night for a cozy bedtime story.
Budget-Friendly Tip: Borrow books from your local library or shop secondhand.
Themes to Explore:
• Classic holiday tales.
• Winter-themed picture books.
• Stories about giving and kindness.
5. Snack or Treat Advent Calendar
Perfect for families who love food! Include small holiday-themed snacks or treats for each day.
Ideas for Treats:
• Homemade cookies.
• Hot chocolate packets.
• A single piece of festive candy.
Bonus Idea: Pair treats with a family story or discussion about holiday traditions.
6. Lego or Toy-Themed Advent Calendar
Kids love revealing a small toy or Lego piece every day!
DIY Tip: Use mini figures or small toy pieces and place them in numbered pouches.
Pre-Made Option: Lego Advent Calendars are available for various themes like Nativity, Star Wars, Christmas Tree.
7. Family Memory Calendar
Take a trip down memory lane by including a photo, story, or keepsake from past holidays.
Ideas:
• Share a funny or touching family story each day.
• Include printed photos from previous Christmas mornings.
Keepsake Tip: Save the memories to create a scrapbook at the end of the season.
8. Puzzle Advent Calendar
Reveal one piece of a holiday-themed puzzle each day and work together to complete it by Christmas.
What You’ll Need: A puzzle with 24 pieces or more.
DIY Tip: Divide puzzle pieces into envelopes and number them.
9. Faith-Based Advent Calendar
Focus on the spiritual aspect of the holiday season by including Bible verses, prayers, or faith-based activities.
Daily Ideas:
• Read a verse about the Christmas story.
• Light a candle and say a prayer together.
• Discuss the meaning of generosity.
Resource: Faith-Based Advent Calendar Ideas
10. Travel-Themed Advent Calendar
Celebrate cultures around the world with daily facts, recipes, or activities.
How-To: Explore a different country’s holiday traditions each day.
Ideas: Make Italian pizzelles, learn about Hanukkah, or craft German paper stars.
How to Get Started
1. Choose Your Theme: Pick a calendar idea that resonates with your family’s interests and values.
2. Gather Materials: Use items you already have at home or purchase affordable supplies.
3. Make It Interactive: Involve your kids in creating or setting up the advent calendar.
4. Set Aside Time Daily: Prioritize these moments to enjoy the holiday season together.
Advent calendars are a daily reminder that the holidays are about presence, not presents.
Final Thoughts
Family advent calendars are more than just a countdown; they’re an opportunity to create meaningful memories and traditions. Whether you choose a gratitude calendar, a book-based one, or something entirely unique, the real magic lies in the time spent together.
Which advent calendar idea are you excited to try? Let us know in the comments!
Parenting Alongside You!
Dr. Emma at Aparently Parenting
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