It is almost Advent season! Advent is a season observed in many Christian denominations leading up to Christmas. It’s a time of preparation, anticipation, and spiritual reflection in anticipation of the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. However, for several families, it is all about the Advent calendar. We will cover both!

The religious aspect of Advent for this year goes from Sunday, December 3, 2023 – Sunday, December 24, 2023. Advent typically begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day. The length of Advent varies each year, lasting between 22 to 28 days, depending on the day Christmas falls.

For those who just like the Advent calendars alone, those start at the beginning of December and are also a countdown to Christmas. 

Some families (and churches) also use an Advent wreath. This wreath is made of evergreen foliage, symbolizing God’s eternal nature, with four candles (three purple and one pink, and a white candle in the center). Each candle represents a different aspect of the Advent season- hope, peace, joy, and love. One candle is lit each Sunday of Advent, with the center candle (the Christ candle) lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.

The colors most associated with Advent are purple or blue, representing repentance, preparation, and royalty. The pink candle represents joy, often lit on the third Sunday (Gaudete Sunday) as a break in the solemnity of the season. In some traditions, a white candle at the center symbolizes Christ and is lit on Christmas Day.

Advent is observed through various liturgical practices, including scripture readings, prayers, hymns, and sermons focused on themes such as hope, anticipation, repentance, and the coming of Christ. Advent serves as a time for believers to prepare their hearts and minds to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ while also reflecting.

Now, let’s focus on Advent calendar ideas. Advent calendars are a fun way to count down the days until Christmas. These calendars often contain small doors or compartments that can be opened each day of Advent, revealing a treat, image, a small toy, or reading. 

Here are some ideas for Advent calendars for kids-

Traditional Chocolate Calendar- A classic option with a piece of chocolate for each day. Head to See’s for a truly magical Advent calendar. 

Activity-based Calendar- Assign a different activity for each day, like baking cookies, making ornaments, watching a holiday movie, or doing a holiday-themed craft. Here are some ideas on how to make an activity Advent calendar. 

Book Advent Calendar- Wrap up 24 holiday-themed books and let your child open one each day to read together. Head to Powell’s for some local book shopping. 

LEGO or Building Blocks Calendar- Provide small LEGO sets or building block pieces for each day to create a larger set by Christmas. Lego also has its already-made Advent calendar. Pick one up at Costco.

Puzzle Advent Calendar– Break down a jigsaw puzzle into 24 pieces and give your child one piece each day until they can complete it by Christmas. Portland Puzzle Company provides custom puzzles or puzzles by local artists. 

Random Acts of Kindness Calendar- Encourage acts of kindness by assigning a daily task like making a card for someone, donating toys, or helping around the house. Create your own calendar, or check out this one.

Treasure Hunt Calendar- Each day’s treat or clue leads to a different hiding spot in the house where a small gift or treat is waiting. Don’t know how to set up a treasure hunt? Check this out for ideas. 

Holiday Science Experiment Calendar- Plan a different holiday-themed science experiment for each day, like making snowflakes, creating slime, or exploring the science behind ornaments. For inspiration, check out this.

Outdoor Activities Calendar- Include activities such as building a snowman, going ice skating, or taking a winter nature walk. Here are some great ideas. 

Music or Dance Calendar- Have a different holiday song or dance routine to learn each day leading up to Christmas. This one is a blast!

DIY Craft Calendar- Prepare a craft kit for each day with materials and instructions for your child to create something festive, like ornaments, greeting cards, or paper snowflakes. For help creating your DYI calendars, we have you covered. Check this out. 

Nature-Inspired Calendar- Incorporate nature by collecting different items like pinecones, leaves, or twigs each day to create a natural-themed craft or decoration. Check out this article on where to go. 

Cooking or Baking Calendar- Plan a daily recipe to bake or cook together, such as holiday cookies, cupcakes, or simple snacks. Pick out some recipes or buy one of these food-related Advent calendars. 

Remember, the goal is to make the Advent calendar enjoyable and engaging for your child while building anticipation for the holiday season. Feel free to mix and match these ideas or come up with your unique twists to make this time even more special for your kids.

Now we know more about Advent … the season and the calendars. We would love to hear about your traditions. What do you do to count down to the big day?