For the last few years, my family has happily used Tomfo’s Santa Beard Christmas Countdown to mark off the days until Christmas. While we still adore that countdown, I am seeking to make December even merrier and brighter with an Advent Activities Calendar.
For this countdown, I designed 24 tags that fold into small envelopes. The tags are sealed shut with a number sticker marking the day each activity is to be accomplished.
I used my DIY open frame display to house our Advent Activities Calendar, hanging each tag from a miniature wooden clothespin. I added a few decorative garnishes — jingle bells and handmade felt poinsettias — and hung it in our family room for easy access each day.
When developing a list of activities, I tried to balance free activities with those requiring monetary investment. I included events that were already part of our regularly scheduled program as well as incorporating opportunities to help others and teach that it’s better to give. Lastly, I included four bible verses to study each week.
If you’re interested in creating a similar set of activities for your family, here’s what we are looking forward to in December.
Advent Activities
1. Build a gingerbread house.
2. Make Christmas shrinky dinks.
3. Read a holiday book at bedtime.
4. Watch “How The Grinch Stole Christmas.” — make these yummy Grinch Crinkle Cookies!
5. Donate gently used toys and clothes.
6. Family Game Night.
7. Visit and take a photo with Santa Claus.
8. Celebrate my daughter’s birthday. — she’s turning 5!
9. Attend a Christmas program.
10. Shop for Kona. — don’t forget your pet!
11. Drive through the Holiday Lights Merry Mile at the beach.
12. Drop off new toy donations to support Toys For Tots.
13. Christmas Pajamas Movie Night. — turn it into a tradition!
14. Go out to watch a movie.
15. S’mores and hot apple cider around the fire pit. — invite friends!
16. Buy a gift for your sibling.
17. Christmas crafting.
18. Decorate cards for teachers.
19. Go out for donuts after dinner.
20. Christmas LEGO building challenge.
21. Watch The Star and read The Story of Christmas.
22. Bake cookies for Santa. — here’s a tasty recipe!
23. Drive through the neighborhood with hot cocoa to see holiday lights.
24. Read The Night Before Christmas at bedtime.
Bible Verses (NIV)
Week 1:
The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. — Psalm 28:7
Week 2:
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. — Galatians 6:9
Week 3:
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. — John 3:16
Week 4:
Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you. He is the Messiah, the Lord. — Luke 2:11
To avoid creating any additional stress during the busy holiday season, I organized all the necessary supplies in a box ahead of time. I can’t wait to witness the excitement build each day as we approach Christmas and the magical memories we will create as a family this holiday season.
You can follow along with each daily activity on Instagram. Thanks for reading and happy holidays! — v.
The countdown for Christmas is sooooo helpful and exciting! Thanks for sharing your great ideas with us! We are planning on doing this for sure.