This year more than ever we need to find ways to bring us joy during the holidays. These Top 10 Advent Activities Your Family Will Love will bring the peace and celebration back into your home and help get you in the spirit of Christmas.
Since we’re spending more time at home, what better way to celebrate Christ’s birth than some activities for the whole family to enjoy.
Recently, I was able to get together with my adult kids and spend some time celebrating Christmas a bit early. It’s always so fun to sit around the table in the evening playing games, sharing a meal or even doing something crafty.
Table of Contents
Top 10 Advent Activities Your Family Will Love!
1. Wood round ornaments
This post may contain affiliate links. That means if you click and buy, I may receive a small commission (at zero cost to you). Please see my full disclosure policy for details.
This year, I put together some ornament designs for us to make that are simple enough for a non-artist or a young child to do. I bought slices of wood that are about 3″ in diameter. I wanted them fairly smooth so we could paint them with chalkboard paint and write or draw with silver and gold paint pens.
The wood was a little bumpy, but they still turned out charming:)
Download these free templates to make a set of ornaments for your tree this year! I’ve updated them for 2021.
2. Prayer chain
When you were a kid did you ever make construction paper chains to hang on the tree? Cut 2″ strips of green and red construction paper and have everyone in the family write the names of people that they would like to pray for. Think of family, friends, pastors, neighbors, elected officials.
Glue or tape the chain together and place it on the mantle or on the tree and each day, have your family members take a piece of the chain and pray for name listed on the strip of paper.
3. Read together
Slow down, sit in the light of the Christmas tree and read together. Focus on the Family has a wonderful list of suggested books to read. Whether you enjoy classic tales, contemporary stories or have a spirit for adventure, this list is a great resource to bring the family together.
Reading the Bible through Advent is also a wonderful way to celebrate Christ’s birth and worship Him. I wrote a great post sharing the Top 7 FREE Advent devotionals and have a free downloadable reading plan for the season. Check it out here.
Adventure
Contemporary
Fantasy
4. Share a photo a day
Number four on the list of Top 10 Advent Activities Your Family Will Love is especially for this year. Maybe this year you won’t be able to get together with everyone you want to see (in person). But, how about doing a photo challenge with the ones you love? Share a photo a day back and forth through the month of December and have your heart warmed as you still get to see each other. Imagine fun poses, locations, or take your pics around what you ate for lunch. I grabbed this idea from Worship Times and there are a whole lot more great ideas here.
5×7 Frame Set
Bluetooth Photo Printer
Phone Tabletop Tripod
5. Light more candles
If you happen to live in a cold climate, or have room in your freezer, make an ice lantern. Or be intentional about lighting candles more this month and enjoy the ambiance. It reminds me that Jesus is the light of the world, and He is present in our hearts and homes every moment. Candles have a magical soothing way of calming your home giving you a pleasing atmosphere and reminding of that truth. Here’s a few ideas from Rediscovered Families.
6. Serve Others
In the spirit of embracing our servant Jesus and how much He gave in order to save us, serving others will not only bless others, but help you grow in love and servanthood.
- Serve your friends: 1) Pray for them. 2) Share something nice about them to build them up. 3) Give them the biggest piece of dessert. 4) Help them with something they dislike doing. 5) Take them out for coffee.
- Serve your family: 1) Make their bed. 2) Clean up their mess without comment. 3) Serve them breakfast in bed. 4) Spend an hour playing a game or doing something they like to do. 5) Make hot cocoa and ask them how their day was–and just listen.
- Serve your neighbors or community: 1) Pray with them 2) Bring them cookies or take treats to your local fire/police department. 3) Take their garbage to the curb. 4) Shovel their driveway. 5) Sing Christmas carols at their door.
7. Create a Jesse Tree
If you haven’t heard about this before, a Jesse tree is a collection of 24-25 ornaments that tell the Gospel story from creation to Jesus’ birth. Each ornament pictures a scene from the story, and along with scripture, daily leads you through the story of redemption as you place each ornament on the tree. Here’s a great place to get a set of printable ornaments to get you started.
8. The gift of scripture
Whether you’re with your family in person or visiting virtually, giving the gift of scripture is a priceless memory that will be cherished for years to come. Have each family member choose a passage of scripture that is meaningful to them, and have them read it aloud and share why it has impacted them. (This is my favorite Bible)
Deuteronomy 33:27a The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms is a meaningful verse that the Lord gave me when my dad left this earth and went to heaven. I was very close to my dad and was missing him so much. I’m a visual learner. The Lord knows that, so He gave me the picture of Him wrapping His strong arms around me, picking me up and holding me tight. He filled me with comfort and peace. It’s just what I needed and I will often share this verse with loved ones who are grieving.
9. Reflect on the names of Jesus
Praying back to Jesus–who He is and His attributes is a wonderful way to worship. Spend some time reflecting on who He is and bask in the wonder that you have a relationship with Immanuel, God with us. Just reading through the list revivies my heart and fills me with wonder. Here’s a list of 50 names and titles of Jesus to help you.
10. Watch the Nativity Story movie
A picture is worth a thousand words, right? Get out the popcorn, snuggle up under a blanket and watch the Nativity Story movie to bring the tale of Christ’s birth to life. This is a great activity for the very youngest to the oldest in your family.
If you’d like to help you and your child grow in knowledge and ability to study scripture, check out these resources. They’re sure to bless you and give you a more vibrant relationship with the Lord.
Leave a Comment