Creating an Advent Tradition

The holiday season offers a unique chance to build lasting memories with your children. Starting an advent tradition can turn the countdown to Christmas into a joyful, meaningful experience for the whole family. With a little planning and creativity, you can create a tradition that brings excitement, togetherness, and a sense of wonder to your home every December.

Family enjoying advent with kids

Why Start an Advent Tradition with Kids?

Advent traditions help children understand the passage of time in a fun and engaging way. Instead of just waiting for Christmas Day, kids get to experience daily moments of joy and anticipation. These traditions also encourage family bonding, teach values like patience and gratitude, and create a sense of routine during a busy season.

For families with young children, advent activities can be simple and hands-on. Older kids might enjoy more elaborate crafts or stories. The key is to keep the tradition consistent and enjoyable, so it becomes something everyone looks forward to each year.

Choosing the Right Advent Tradition for Your Family

Every family is different, so your advent tradition should fit your lifestyle, interests, and values. Here are some popular ideas to consider:

• Advent Calendars with Small Surprises

Classic advent calendars with chocolates or small toys are a hit with kids. You can also make your own calendar with little notes, activities, or treats tailored to your children’s interests.

• Daily Acts of Kindness

Use each day to perform a small act of kindness as a family. This could be donating toys, writing thank-you notes, or helping neighbors. It teaches empathy and generosity.

• Story Time Advent

Read a Christmas-themed story or Bible passage each evening. This can be a mix of classic tales and new books, creating a cozy nightly ritual.

• Crafting and Decorating

Spend time making ornaments, wreaths, or holiday cards together. These crafts can decorate your home and become keepsakes for years to come.

• Holiday Baking

Bake cookies or treats as a family, trying a new recipe each day or week. Kids love helping in the kitchen, and the results make great gifts or snacks.

How to Make Advent Special and Manageable

To keep the tradition magical without overwhelming your schedule, consider these tips:

• Plan Ahead

Prepare your advent calendar or activity list before December starts. This reduces last-minute stress and lets you gather supplies early.

• Keep It Simple

Not every day needs a big event. Small, meaningful moments often have the biggest impact.

• Involve the Kids

Let children help choose activities or create the calendar. This increases their excitement and ownership of the tradition.

• Be Flexible

Life can get busy. If you miss a day, don’t worry. Pick up where you left off or combine days.

• Capture the Moments

Take photos or keep a journal of your advent activities. These memories will be treasured in years to come.

Examples of Advent Activities for Different Ages

Here are some ideas tailored to various age groups:

For Toddlers and Preschoolers

• Open a small gift or treat each day

• Sing a holiday song together

• Decorate a simple paper ornament

• Watch a short Christmas cartoon

• Visit a local holiday display or light show

  
  

For Elementary-Age Kids

• Write letters to family members

• Make homemade holiday cards

• Bake and decorate cookies

• Read a chapter from a Christmas book each night

• Create a gratitude jar and add notes daily

  
  

For Tweens and Teens

• Volunteer as a family at a local charity

• Host a holiday movie night with friends

• Try new recipes and cook dinner together

• Make DIY gifts or decorations

• Plan a family game night with holiday-themed games

  
  

Creating Your Own Advent Calendar

A homemade advent calendar can be a wonderful centerpiece for your tradition. Here’s how to create one that fits your family:

1. Choose a Format

   Use envelopes, small boxes, cloth bags, or even a wooden board with hooks.

   
   

2. Fill with Meaningful Items

   Include notes with activities, small toys, stickers, or treats. Mix fun and thoughtful surprises.

   
   

3. Decorate Together

   Let kids help paint, draw, or add stickers to personalize the calendar.

   
   

4. Set a Daily Routine

   Decide on a time each day to open the calendar, such as after dinner or before bedtime.

   
   

Encouraging Reflection and Gratitude

Advent is a time to prepare for Christmas, but it’s also a chance to teach children about gratitude and reflection. Consider adding moments to your tradition where the family shares what they are thankful for or talks about the meaning of the season.

You might include a gratitude jar where everyone adds notes throughout December or have a weekly discussion about kindness and generosity.

Tips for Keeping the Tradition Alive Year After Year

• Make It Fun

Keep the activities lighthearted and enjoyable to maintain enthusiasm.

• Adapt as Kids Grow

Change the tradition to suit your children’s ages and interests.

• Include Everyone

Make sure all family members can participate and feel involved.

• Celebrate Progress

Acknowledge the joy and togetherness the tradition brings, reinforcing its importance.

• Share with Others

Invite extended family or friends to join in some activities, spreading the holiday spirit.