Advent Calendars

Today is December 1^st, and my 12 year-old son has already opened his first gift from his Advent calendar—it said, "Pick one song to download from iTunes© at Mom's expense" . He thought that was pretty cool!  And yes, he downloaded the song before heading off to school, so he could listen to it on the bus.

Advent calendars have been used for hundreds of years to count down or celebrate the days of Advent until Christmas.   I began using Advent calendars to help my children visually see how many days there were until Christmas; otherwise I would get the proverbial “how many more days until Christmas?” question on a daily basis starting on the day after Thanksgiving.  Advent calendars come in all shapes and sizes; some are fancy, while others are simple.  You can find them at stores to buy, or you can make your own.

When I began making the yearly countdown calendar, I wanted something that would be fun for the kids, but not break the bank.  Getting treats every day is wonderful for the child, but not so much on Mom’s pocketbook!  So I planned free and low-cost activities to do during the season.  In addition to the trinkets and activities, I wanted my children to understand the importance of giving to others.    

The problem I am encountering this year is that my children are getting older, and a trinket found in an envelope is not as exciting as it was in years past.  Let’s face it….as much as I want my children to stay little, they are growing up.  And in a blink of an eye, I am realizing we are spending less time as a family because they want to spend time with friends.  And before I know it, they will be driving and working and family time will be put on the backburner. 

How do you make a calendar for tweens or teens that would get them looking forward to the holiday and at the same time be able to provide family time?  I chose to make a calendar that included items such as activities that we could do as a family, volunteer opportunities, and treats interspersed throughout.  And when a treat is given.....I make them go find it, either in their stocking or under the tree.  If something was planned for a particular day, such as celebrating Christmas with extended members of the family, I would incorporate that into the calendar as well.  With a little creativity, some paper, ribbon, and clothes pins, you can make an Advent calendar for your family within one or two hours. 

Here are some ideas that are in my children’s Advent calendar. Instead of just listing the activity in the card for each day, I included wording to make it fun or have them figure out what to expect that day. 

For example:

·         “What is a winter holiday without ice?  Let’s go ice skating today.”

·         “We are blessed with a wonderful life.  Let’s bless others by going to buy toys for children who are in need.”

·         “Tonight is a night of lights and hot cocoa.  Be sure to wear your PJs.”   (We are going to look at Christmas lights.)

·         “The Tooth Fairy did not come last night, but there is some money under your pillow.”   (Chocolate coins)

·         “How many words can you make out of Merry Christmas? Let’s try to see after dinner”

·         “Pick one download from iTunes© on Mom’s expense.”

·         “Pancakes, bacon, and eggs oh my!  Put on your PJs because we are having breakfast for dinner.”

·         “Surprises are fun.  Go find one in your stocking.”

·         “St. Nick made a vist.  Enjoy your gift.”

·         “Our pets want to celebrate too, and some are in need of supplies.  Let’s make dogs treats, collect items for our furry friends, and donate them to a shelter.”

·         Today, it’s all about cookies, cousins, and gingerbread houses.  Today is the Cousin Cookie Bake.”

Be creative and have fun with it.  Merry Christmas!