The advent season is upon us, leaving a short four weeks until Christmas. Advent brings about a season of preparing yourself and your family for the big event — Christmas.

This first week of advent has a focus on joy. This week we were discussing how we could bring joy to others and what exactly that means. We talked about how doing something for someone, saying something kind to someone, a small gesture or giving someone something is enough to bring someone else joy. The idea that making someone else happy is enough to make us happy is something we work on and continue to work on. Too often, we end up . . .

feeling that if we get nothing out of a gesture then why do it? Advent is a great time to remind us that when we do something for someone else and bring them joy, it can be enough to fill our cup. It was fun to brainstorm ways to bring joy to one another and I’m anxious to see how it plays out this week.

How can we count down to Christmas?

1. A book a day — As a countdown, you can wrap up 24 Christmas books and leave them under the tree. I’ve seen it where the books are numbered and so each day you pick up the next book and the kids unwrap it. Together you can sit to read the story in front of the tree. This does not have to be new books, it can be books you already own, you can find books second hand on yard sale sites, at yard sales or church sales. The exciting part is getting to unwrap something each day and then sitting together to read it as a family. It’s certain that each year a new favourite book will be found.
2. Acts of Kindness Advent Calendar — This is super cool and can be tailored to the age of your child. It can be completely free! The way this works is that you print off (or write out) some kind gestures that you can do with your child. Then each morning as a countdown, they choose a new act of kindness to do. Some simple examples include, clean up someone else’s mess, just because, set the table, bring cookies to a neighbour or friend, shovel a neighbour’s yard or donate baby clothes to the local hospital. These cool ideas can be stored in a little container or put into the pockets of an advent calendar you already have. You can also set out the new act of kindness with the supplies you’ll need that day.

   You can find some cool printables ideas at this site, www.cbc.ca/parents/play/view/acts-of-kindness-advent-calendar. However you decide to do this, one thing’s for sure you and your family are sure to spread joy this Christmas season. I love how this idea focuses on doing things for others, the true meaning of Christmas.

3. Elf on the Shelf — This idea has become more popular these last few years. We have a lot of fun with this one. You can also incorporate the acts of kindness with the Elf on the Shelf by having the elf dictate the kindness you should do that day. Your elf can be quite silly getting into loads of mischief, this is another great way to countdown the days until Christmas.
4. Homemade Advent Calendars, Paper Chain Advent Calendar — As a kid I always made the good old fashion red and green advent calendar using strips of paper. You tie them into each other to make a chain and pull one of each day. My kids still love making this one.
5. Punch board Advent Calendar — These are super simple to make. Get a big poster board with 25 colourful circles (or stars, trees, or stockings) with a number on it. Each day they get to punch through a number. They can use a hole punch or possibly their hand.
6. Santa’s Beard Advent Calendar — There are super cute Santa printouts online you can print out (or draw one) and each day you get to add a cotton ball to his beard until you reach 25, and a full beard.
7. Food Drive Advent Calendar — Choose a food each day to gather for the food drive. There are printable lists online that you can follow or each day ask your child to find something in the cupboard they enjoy that others may enjoy also. I know food is very expensive right now and this may not be an option for everyone, you could change this to a can or item every couple or days or once during advent, Whatever works for your family.

I hope you enjoyed reading some of these ideas and that you enjoy a great advent season with your loved ones.