10 Creative Ways to Celebrate Advent and Remember Jesus Beyond Traditional Calendars
- Faith
- Oct 27
- 6 min read
As the Advent season approaches, many people feel the joy of counting down the days until Christmas. Traditionally, Advent calendars filled with chocolates or small gifts mark this special time. However, there are more meaningful ways to celebrate Advent that help us focus on the true reason for the season: the birth of Jesus Christ. Here, I will share some creative alternatives to traditional Advent calendars that can deepen our spiritual journey during this holy time.
A rewarding way to celebrate Advent is by making a Scripture Advent calendar. Instead of candies or toys, each day features a Bible verse that tells the story of Jesus' birth or highlights His attributes. For instance, you could include passages like Isaiah 9:6, which states, "For to us a child is born," or Luke 2:11, which declares, "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior." Write these verses on small cards and place them in a decorative box or envelope.
Each day, read and reflect on the verse. Think about its relevance to your life. This practice not only immerses you in God's Word but also inspires you to discuss these messages with your family. Involving children can be particularly engaging. They could illustrate the verses or create a visual representation of the Nativity story, making it memorable.
These Nativity Advent Calendar Cards come in a festive little tin, and include 25 daily Bible verse cards and engaging activities for children, making it a perfect Christian advent calendar for kids and an excellent tool for parents to introduce the nativity story leading up to Christmas.
Celebrating Advent through acts of kindness can be incredibly fulfilling. Create an "Acts of Kindness" calendar where each day features a simple act to do for others. Suggestions include writing a note of encouragement to a friend, baking cookies for a neighbor, or donating to a local charity.
Alternatively, this Acts of Kindness Advent Calendar makes for an easy-peasy alternative to homemade. A great buy to inspire families - and adds the element of surprise for you too as you do not know what lies behind each door!
If you complete just one act a day, that totals around 25 acts by Christmas! Engaging in these activities embodies Christ's love and spreads joy, helping to foster a spirit of generosity and compassion within your family.
Prayer can help deepen your connection with God. A Prayer Advent calendar can focus your prayers throughout the season. Each day, select a prayer focus, whether it’s for a family member, a friend, or a global issue such as world hunger. You could write these prayer requests on slips of paper and place them in a jar or box.
As you pray daily, spend time reflecting on the needs of others and ways you can support them. This practice not only strengthens your prayer life but also emphasizes the importance of intercession and community.
Another lovely idea for a Prayer Advent Calendar is this lovely little book by Sara Young: Jesus Listens: For Advent and Christmas. "This devotional collection of prayers and reflections from Sarah Young's bestselling Jesus Listens® and Jesus Calling prepares your spirit for the Savior's coming, helps you spend the days of Advent and Christmas with intentionality, and carries you into the New Year with your heart and mind fixed on Jesus."
4. Advent Devotional
Using an Advent devotional can guide your reflections during this season. Many devotionals focus on themes of hope, peace, joy, and love, all central to the Advent season.
Jotham's Journey: A Storybook for Advent: For family reading with older children, this Advent storybook is an exciting daily read with plenty of cliffhangers to keep you itching to read the next chapter!
Advent Storybook: 24 Stories to Share Before Christmas: Count down to the birth of baby Jesus with this beloved, bestselling read-aloud advent storybook–featuring a short story for each of the days of December leading up to Christmas. Ideal for younger children.
"The Women of the Bible Speak: The Wisdom of 16 Women and Their Lessons for Today" Offers insights into biblical female figures relevant to Christmas. A lovely book for yourself and/or the female friend in your life,
Whether reading alone, with family, or with friends, this practice fosters discussions about faith and the essence of Christmas. It's a beautiful opportunity to create a sacred space in your home, allowing for spiritual growth together.
For the tea lover! This Advent calendar features a delicious selection of tea behind each door. Ideal for the tea lover to sip whilst preparing for or unwinding from the day. I love this Twinings Tea Advent Calendar. Celebrate 24 days of warmth and wonder with a curated selection of black, green, and herbal teas to share. Behind each door, discover two tea bags and a delightful surprise—from festive recipes to thoughtful notes and fun activities. Makes an ideal gift for the tea lover in your life!
Creating a family Advent wreath is a meaningful tradition to remember Jesus. An Advent wreath typically consists of four candles, each representing a week of Advent, with a central candle for Christmas Eve. As you light a candle each week, read a corresponding Scripture passage or devotion.
This visual reminder of Christ's light coming into the world supports family prayer and reflection. It can become a cherished activity, bringing everyone together in anticipation of Christ’s birth.
7. Advent Music Playlist
Music has a unique way of touching our hearts. Consider creating an Advent music playlist filled with hymns and songs that celebrate the birth of Jesus. Choose different songs for each day leading up to Christmas, such as "O Holy Night" or "Joy to the World."
Listening to these songs can set a joyful tone for your day, keeping your focus on the true meaning of Christmas. Get your children involved by allowing them to choose their favorite songs or learning new carols together, making it a shared experience of joy.
Taking time to enjoy God’s creation can add depth to your Advent celebration. Plan nature walks with your family, observing the beauty of the season. Use these moments to reflect on God’s creation and how it relates to the coming of Christ.
Turning of Days by Hannah Anderson is a beautiful book that offers lessons from nature, season, and spirit. A wonderful book for those who love to seek God in His creation.
Incorporate Scripture readings or prayers during walks to make it a time of worship and gratitude. For example, you might read Psalm 19:1, which says, "The heavens declare the glory of God." This practice strengthens your connection with nature and deepens your appreciation for the Creator.
Advent Calendar on DVD. Ever wonder why we celebrate Christmas the way we do. Why do we give gifts, hang mistletoe, decorate Christmas trees? How did Santa, Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer, and The Nutcracker become Christmas traditions? Learn the origins of these and many other Christmas traditions on this single DVD the whole family will enjoy.
This is an all-time favorite for our family! Each evening we gather round to watch each short installment of the calendar - a true Christmas tradition!
Each day of Advent, open a little numbered box to add to your Nativity Advent Calendar Jigsaw Puzzle, culminating in the final reveal on 24th!
Our family has recently discovered the joys of the Advent jigsaw puzzle. A wonderful way for the family to connect over Advent.
For an easy way to stow away the puzzle between daily activities, we have found this jigsaw puzzle board to be great for simply sliding the puzzle underneath the sofa until next time - great if you have little ones around!
Embracing the Spirit of Advent
As we enter the Advent season, it is vital to remember that this is a time for preparation and reflection. While traditional Advent calendars can be enjoyable, many alternative ways can help us focus on Jesus and His love for us. Be it through Scriptures, acts of kindness, prayer, or family traditions, we can create meaningful experiences that draw us closer to God.
I invite you to choose one or more of these ideas to incorporate into your Advent celebrations this year. Doing so will not only enhance your spiritual journey but also create lasting memories with your family that center around the true meaning of Christmas. May this Advent season be filled with joy, peace, and a deeper understanding of the gift of Jesus Christ.