How to Create a Memorable Activity-Based Advent Calendar for Kids
The holiday season is a magical time for families, and an activity-based advent calendar is a wonderful way to create lasting memories together. Instead of focusing on gifts, this sustainable approach fills each day of December with fun holiday experiences, fostering connection and joy without the clutter. Here’s how you can make one at home, along with 20 exciting holiday activity ideas to include.
Why Choose an Activity-Based Advent Calendar?
Traditional advent calendars often include small trinkets or treats that can create unnecessary waste or clutter. An activity-based advent calendar shifts the focus to meaningful experiences, allowing families to celebrate the season sustainably while making memories that last far beyond the holidays.
How to Make Your Activity Advent Calendar
Materials You’ll Need:
A wall or area in your home (I used a space painted with black chalkboard paint)
Command hooks
Two pieces of string or twine
Small clothes pins (I found mine at the dollar store)
Cardboard boxes or envelopes (I used cute gingerbread house-shaped boxes)
Chalk or markers
Steps:
Write "Merry Christmas" or another festive phrase on your chalkboard or display area.
Attach two lines of string or twine horizontally using command hooks.
Use small clothes pins to hang the cardboard boxes or envelopes along the lines.
Number each box or envelope from 1 to 24.
Write a holiday activity on a piece of paper, fold it, and place it inside each box or envelope.
Note: I did include some small ornaments, candy, toys in about 7 of the days to give us a break from activities everyday!
20 Holiday Activity Ideas to Include
Here are 20 fun and festive activities you can incorporate into your advent calendar:
Bake your favorite Christmas cookies
Visit Santa at a local event
Drive around to see Christmas lights
Make a gingerbread house
Have a holiday movie night with popcorn
Write letters to Santa
Decorate the Christmas tree together
Create handmade ornaments
Go ice skating as a family
Read a favorite holiday storybook
Make holiday cards for friends or family
Donate toys or clothes to a local charity
Sing Christmas carols (or have a karaoke night!)
Host a holiday-themed craft night
Have a hot cocoa bar with toppings
Take a family photo in matching holiday pajamas
Build a snowman (or make a craft version if there’s no snow)
Go for a winter nature walk
Set up a holiday scavenger hunt
Have a cozy night by the fire with holiday stories
Note: I did include some small ornaments, candy, toys in about 7 of the days to give us a break from activities everyday!
Tips for Success
Tailor activities to your family: Choose experiences that suit your kids’ ages and interests.
Plan ahead: Be mindful of your family’s schedule when assigning activities to specific days.
Mix big and small experiences: Balance simple activities like reading a story with more involved outings like visiting Santa.
Keep it flexible: If plans change, swap out an activity for another.
By creating an activity-based advent calendar, you’re not only simplifying the holidays but also giving your family the gift of time and togetherness. These small moments of joy will add up to a season full of cherished memories. Happy holidays!
DIY Advent Calendar
