As the holiday season approaches, I like to start the month of December with a gift box or bag for the kids. Usually including some new Christmas pajamas, Advent calendars, popcorn or some sort of treat, and socks or slippers.
Advent Calendars for Kids: A Tradition to Cherish from a Mom’s Perspective
I always look forward to choosing a fun theme that each kid is into at the time. They make some super cute and create options for all kids these days. Such some can get expensive but I try to keep it reasonable and there are always really great deals going on throughout November.
It’s a tradition that brings so much joy to our home, and over the years, it’s become a cherished part of our family’s countdown to Christmas. There’s something magical about the way these little calendars transform the days leading up to Christmas into something more than just the hustle and bustle of the season—they add an element of wonder, surprise, and anticipation that my kids and I love.
What is an Advent Calendar?
For those unfamiliar, an Advent calendar is a special calendar used to count down the days from December 1st to Christmas Eve. Each day has a small door or window, and behind it is a treat, toy, or special message. Traditionally, Advent calendars are designed to mark each day of Advent, the four-week period leading up to Christmas, but these days, there are so many variations—each one designed to suit different ages, interests, and family traditions.
Why We Love Advent Calendars
I’ll admit, I didn’t grow up with an Advent calendar. We had other Christmas traditions, but the calendar itself wasn’t one of them. It wasn’t until I became a mom that I realized what a wonderful way it could be to build excitement and create memories during the holiday season. Now, I can’t imagine our December without one.
For my kids, it’s the small daily ritual of opening a new door each morning that keeps them buzzing with excitement. Whether it’s a piece of chocolate, a tiny toy, or even just a little note, the thrill of discovering what’s inside is something they look forward to every day. It’s a small, simple joy, but it brings a sense of magic to the month.
For me, it’s the shared experience of counting down together, of sharing those moments of anticipation and excitement as we prepare for Christmas Day. There’s a kind of calmness in the routine, something grounding amidst all the holiday chaos. There are so many over the top expectations for this time of year and the Advent calendar is such a simple yet constant tradition that doesn’t much work to my plate which is a huge win.
Making Advent Calendar Traditions Unique
You can do whatever works best for your family. There are soo many pre-made Advent calendars you can buy—ranging from those filled with chocolate to ones with tiny toys or even beauty products for older kids—Many people even prefer to make their own. There are so many fun creative things you can do this way too. Here are some of the ways you can make your Advent calendars extra special:
1. DIY Advent Calendar with Family Activities
I love the idea of crafting a personalized Advent calendar with activities you can do together as a family. Instead of just filling it with candy, include notes with simple tasks, such as:
- Watch a holiday movie together
- Bake cookies for neighbors
- Donate toys to charity
- Read a Christmas story
- Decorate the tree
- Write letters to Santa
Each day becomes an opportunity for us to connect, create memories, and practice gratitude during a time that can sometimes feel overly commercialized.
2. Themed Calendars
You can keep it simple and purchase one or you can create a themed Advent calendar that matches kids’ current interests. For instance, a “Harry Potter” Advent calendar, with little trinkets related to the wizarding world. “Christmas craft” theme, where each day you get a new craft kit to make homemade ornaments or decorations.
If your child has a favorite book, movie, or character, you can incorporate those into your Advent calendar. It’s a fun way to add a personal touch and make the countdown feel even more special to your child.
3. The Surprise Factor
Sometimes, there’s nothing quite like the pure joy of an unexpected surprise. You can add a mix of items in your Advent calendar, from chocolate coins to small toys, to fun challenges (like a silly joke or a kindness mission). The element of surprise is key! Maybe hide a special note with an experience inside, like tickets to a holiday event or a voucher for a family outing. It’s a great way to commit to all those experiences you “want” to do but never make time for.
4. A Christmas Book Advent
Another beautiful way to mark the season is by doing a “book advent.” We pick out 24 Christmas or winter-themed books (or I wrap up some of our favorite ones and place them under the tree), and each night before bed, we unwrap a new book to read together. This not only promotes bonding time but also helps to instill the love of reading in my kids, making it an educational yet festive tradition.
The Benefits of Advent Calendars for Kids
Beyond the fun, Advent calendars provide a simple way to teach kids about patience, anticipation, and delayed gratification. In our fast-paced, instant-gratification world, it’s nice to have something that encourages them to wait, even if it’s just for a tiny treat or a fun activity each day.
Another bene
fit is that Advent calendars can help bring more mindfulness into the holiday season. With all the materialism and frenzy that surrounds Christmas, it can be easy to forget what the season is truly about. The act of counting down the days together—focusing on the joy of being together as a family, creating memories, and anticipating the joy of Christmas—helps refocus us on what really matters.
A Tradition We’ll Keep for Years to Come
As the years go by and my kids grow older, I know our Advent calendar traditions will evolve. They might outgrow the cheap themed kids versions, or they may want to help create their own DIY calendar. But no matter how it changes, I hope the tradition of slowing down to enjoy the season, creating special moments together, and counting down the days with excitement and wonder will stay with us for a long time.
In our busy lives, the holiday season can sometimes feel rushed and chaotic. But with our Advent calendar, we have a little moment each day to pause, reflect, and enjoy the journey to Christmas. For me, that’s the greatest gift of all.
xxsw2So whether you choose a classic chocolate-filled calendar, a DIY craft version, or a new twist on the tradition, I hope you find a way to make Advent calendars a part of your family’s holiday season too. It’s the small things that make the holidays magical—and this is one tradition that’s sure to fill your home with joy for years to come.
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