Advent Activities for Kids

Most people have some exceedingly fond memories of celebrating Christmas as a child. The stockings, tree, meals, lights, and favorite gifts. Families should also consider making Advent activities for kids that are memorable. After all, the anticipation of Christmas is almost as fun as Christmas itself (almost).

In addition to making the anticipation of Christmas part of the fun, Advent activities can also curtail the constant, “how long until December 25, mommy?” Advent helps children measure time and days and also gives them something to look forward to daily. It can teach them about patience and preparation through daily or weekly Advent activities. You might consider traditions as simple as choosing a new advent calendar with chocolate or as elaborate as treasure hunts each day of the Advent season.

Here is a quick round-up of some fun Advent activities for kids that will make the season memorable. Some are for daily use, while others help measure the Advent season by a week. I’ve also included a few “one-time” activities to squeeze in if you have time:

• Write your child a special note to open on each day of the Advent season. You could do something extra special on each Sunday (like including a small gift with the note).
• In addition to daily treats, consider weekly Advent activities that encourage children to look outward rather than inward. For example, write a letter to a member of the military stationed overseas or volunteer as a family at a local food shelf. My favorite idea is to spend the last Sunday of Advent cleaning out your toy box. Select older toys to donate in order to make room for the new Christmas. It teaches children about giving and, just as importantly, it helps them be realistic about needs versus wants.
• Get a wreath and candles. Light them each day, in accordance with the Advent calendar. But add your own twist at each lighting. Let children lead a prayer or sing a special song. If you have a family of four, perhaps each person can be assigned a week to develop an activity for the lighting. This empowers children to lead!
• An Advent calendar with chocolate is always a sure winner.
• If you prefer homemade chocolate to an Advent calendar with chocolate, spend some time with your children in the kitchen making chocolate in mini-holiday molds. Then offer one each day throughout the season.
• Visit a live Nativity scene - they are truly special!
• Make paper crowns and talk about the kings who were present at Jesus’ birth.
• Find a coloring book about the Christmas story (or download and print coloring sheets) and encourage children to complete them; you can help them understand what they are coloring and its significance to Jesus’ birth.
• Get a map and choose as many countries as there are days in the Advent season. Choose a new country each day and discuss whether Christmas is celebrated there and, if so, the local traditions.
• Celebrate St. Nick’s Day on December 6.
• Take a sleigh ride or go sledding - anything outdoors! Spend a moment giving thanks for the wonderful world that God gave us.

Making memories doesn’t require elaborate planning. Choose a few Advent activities for kids that are fun and do them consistently, mindfully, and enthusiastically. Your participation and effort are what a child will always remember. Happy Advent season to all!

What are some of your favorite Advent activities for kids? Leave a comment below and let us know what you and your children enjoy doing together. For more information on our Advent gifts, contact us today.