I love Christmas and the Advent. I really want to celebrate advent and use the time to focus on the true meaning of Christmas and make it about giving and have a joy filled time with my family. I want advent to be about more than just opening a door on an advent calendar and getting a piece of chocolate, I want it to be a time where we cement our family traditions and give joy to other people.
We have a number of different advent traditions that have developed since the boys were tiny. We have our own advent calendar and do an activity each day as a family. Over the last three years, we have also introduced an act of kindness into each day of advent. Just a small thing that we can do to bring joy to other people. The other big thing that we do is our reverse advent calendar. I was fearful of Christmas becoming a time of wanting and this is not something I want for my family, I need it to be a time for balance.
Wonderful Ways to Celebrate Advent
Make an Advent Candle or Wreath
Alternative Advent Calendar – Acts of Kindness by Kids
Oh and do not worry, the boys also get a chocolate in each of their calendar pockets and even the dog has an advent calendar this year! How do you celebrate advent in your family?
How do you celebrate advent in your family? Do you have a unique thing that just your family does or an annual tradition?
Other great Advent traditions – Elf on the Shelf Alternatives
The Imagination Trees Kindness Elves – These are super cute and great for all year round and now come with an accessories pack
The North Pole Ninjas – UK Link/US Link – My boys would have loved this Ninja Elves that spread kindness throughout the world.
The acts of kindness sockings are gorgeous and a great way to spend time in the run up to Christmas. Advent should be a time of reflection before the Christmas fun goes wild so this sounds brill x
So many wonderful ideas here and I love that lots get away from just been chocolate.
We have an alternative family traditions calendar that we’ve made for this year and I can’t wait to start opening it x
You’re right, it’s so important to think of others over the festive period. We’ll be having a special celebration this year, as my elderly Grandma is coming down to live near us and other members of the family. Can’t wait to have her close for Christmas!
I love the reverse Advent calendar idea. It’s the 1st today, if I get my act together it’s not too late to start this.
I am doing the Elf on the shelf for Emma again this year, she loves finding it in the most unusual of places and sets the whole mood for the day.