The holiday season is here and if you haven’t prepared those advent calendars – the time is NOW! We have a few in our home and I still use our FREE Advent Calendar Printables year after year, but with the girls growing older I am updating our tradition to include a few new DIY advent calendar ideas… And of course I couldn’t keep them to myself – hence this blogpost!

First, what is Advent?

More than a chocolate a day, opening a tiny surprise or reading a special story… Advent is derived from the Latin word “adventus” – which means “coming,”. It counts down the four Sundays before Christmas and marks the beginning of the Christian liturgical year. During Advent, Christians all over the world reflect, pray and prepare for the celebration of Jesus’s birth. We look back at Christ’s first coming while also anticipating His promised return.

The Themes of Advent include:

Many may not know this but, each week of Advent is associated with a specific theme. These themes are central to the Christian faith and deepen our understanding of the significance of Jesus’ birth and also the eventual second coming of Christ, linking past and future events.

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Now for some Special DIY Advent Calendar ideas…

1. Make an Advent Wreath

Typically made of evergreen branches – the wreath holds four candles. Three purple (a colour traditionally linked to royalty) and one pink to represent the themes of each week. A white candle, known as the Christ candle, is placed in the centre and lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. When lighting the candles a piece of scripture can be read followed by prayers and even hymn singing for the vocally talented families (we prefer playing our Spotify playlist).

Advent Wreaths are a great way to slow down during silly season and bring intentionality to the holiday. Feel free to personalise this tradition with your choice of foliage and colour palette. And if plants aren’t your thing or if you’re looking for something more “teen- approved” – LEGO just brought out the coolest Christmas Wreaths – candles included.

2. Advent Calendars

Advent calendars are a popular way for families to count down the days to Christmas. Each day reveals a scripture verse, prayer, or small treat or gift, perhaps a fun activity… The options are endless and whether you choose to buy or DIY – Advent calendars all foster a spirit of anticipation and excitement.

We have an entire blogpost dedicated to creating your own Advent Calendar with FREE and easy to use printable. Simply click on any of the links below and it will take you there:

FREE Printable Christmas Advent Calendar number 1-24

FREE Printable Christmas Advent Tree in ENGLISH or AFRIKAANS

Books, activities and ideas for each day of Advent.

3. Scripture Readings and religious events

Many churches provide specific scripture readings for each week of Advent, guiding us through the biblical narratives that prepare us for Christmas. Candlelight services, carols, nativity performances and lots of other gatherings are highlights of the church year. Together as a community we worship, reflect and enjoy the holiday season more deeply.

To make spending time in scripture a little easier for parents – I have created a 25 day countdown through the story of Jesus’ birth (ideal for young believers) as well as FREE printable Jesse Tree ornaments (older kids love doing this) that represent the events and people, from the old and new testament leading up to Jesus’ birth.

FREE Printable countdown to Christmas: The Story of Jesus in ENGLISH or AFRIKAANS

FREE Printable Jesse Tree ornaments in ENGLISH and AFRIKAANS

4. Get involved in community projects

Advent is not just a personal journey; it’s also a communal one. If you can, get involved in various Advent events such as gift drives, carol performances for charity, donate your own unwanted or unused goods (it’s a great time to clear out our closets and cupboards). It is the season for giving after all…

DIY Advent Calendar ideas for teenagers

It’s always been a priority keeping our tween involved and as excited as her siblings about all our family traditions. However, making Advent exciting for teenagers does involve a mix of creativity and stepping out of our comfort zones. By mixing tradition with personal interests, we can still create a meaningful and enjoyable Advent experience for even the “coolest” family members. Here are some ideas:

Worthwhile Advent devotionals available online:

• Kate Bowler has a wonderful FREE collection of Seasonal Devotionals for Advent with options for individuals and groups.
• Focus on the Family – An Advent Encounter – is designed to help us discover the different facets of Jesus’ character through his interactions with people in the Gospels. it’s also FREE.
• She reads truth sell beautiful “his & hers” digital Advent devotionals filled with daily Scripture readings, reflections on 2024, hymns, recipes and more.
  

Make Advent a profound and meaningful season for your family!

It’s not about designer calendars, lavish treats or working yourself into a festive frenzy while trying to make each day more magical than the next…

Use WHAT YOU HAVE!

PAUSE amidst the hustle and bustle of holiday preparations and

REFLECT on the deeper significance of Christmas.

Through the symbols, themes, and communal practices of Advent, we are all reminded of the hope, peace, joy, and love that Jesus brings into the world.

May we celebrate these values over the coming weeks and carry them with us into the new year!

May we celebrate these values over the coming weeks and carry them with us into the new year!

Now, remember to… Pin, Share, Mail!

Send this post to your mama-tribe and make Christmas special for the entire family.

* CLICK HERE for more fun festive traditions and ideas.