Advent Activities for Busy Families

The Advent season celebrates the coming, or the arrival, of the baby Jesus and the implications of His birth for all mankind. It is celebrated on the four Sundays before Christmas, with Christmas day being the fifth and final celebration. And while this is a beautiful and meaningful season to celebrate with your family, consequently it's also the busiest season of the year. Between parties, baking, shopping, concerts, school activities and family functions, it can seem impossible to carve out time for remembrance and reflection, especially with small children. But if you celebrate Advent with simple Advent activities for kids, you can instill the true meaning of the season into your children amidst the flurry of holiday obligations. These family Advent Activities are simple to do throughout this busy season and won't take a lot of time or preparation-two things that are precious this time of year.

Advent Calendar
Advent calendars are everywhere, and they're a great way to celebrate and remember Advent on a daily basis. Choose a different member of your family to open that day's calendar space, and spend a few minutes reflecting on the message. While many Advent calendars are now secular in nature, there are many with a spiritual theme that reveal verses or the Christmas story bit by bit. Choose a time the family is together, like breakfast or dinner, and spend just a few minutes talking about the calendar together.
Wooden Nativity Advent Calendar
Large Nativity Advent Calendar with Bible Verses

Toy Nativity Set
One of the best ways children learn about any subject is through hands-on play. And while there are many wonderful books about the Christmas story illustrated for young children, being able to act it out with toys is a wonderful way for kids to celebrate and learn more about it. We have several nativity scenes in our home that are kid-friendly, and my kids enjoy playing with them and acting out the story. You can even have a special celebration on Christmas morning by reading the Christmas story in the Bible and having your children act it out with their toy nativity set.
Fisher Price Little People Nativity Playset
VeggieTales Nativity Playset
Olive Wood Children's Nativity Set

Paper Candles
An Advent wreath with five candles is a traditional way to celebrate Advent; families light one candle for each Sunday, with all five candles being lit on Christmas Day. However, fire and small children don't mix well, so this can prove a stressful tradition. Why not try paper candles instead to celebrate with your children? This is a fun craft that your kids can do. Have them draw and wreath on the bottom of a piece of paper and cut out five candles and five flames. Glue the candles onto the wreath, and glue one flame on each Sunday until Christmas. Hang your wreath in a prominent spot in your home, and let it serve as a visual reminder of the Advent season.

Focus Verse
Many Advent programs provide a scripture verse for each day, but this can be too overwhelming for small children. Instead, choose one verse from the Christmas story that you'd like your family to meditate on, copy it onto a large piece of paper or chalkboard, and display it where everyone can reflect on it daily. Say it together at mealtimes, and by the time Christmas comes, your whole family will have memorized a special Bible verse that helps them reflect on the true meaning of Christmas.