Looking for simple ways to help your little ones anticipate the birth of Jesus? I’ve rounded up a list of books, calendars and activities for you to enjoy with your children this Advent season!
BOOKS
CALENDARS
FAMILY ACTIVITIES
ABCS OF CHRISTMAS CARDS: I just ordered a set of these to use with Lively because I like how simple and concise they are. Each card has a definition and Gospel-centered conversation prompts so you and your family can make the month of December all about Jesus.
ADVENT CONVERSATION CARDS: You can always count on She Reads Truth resources to be well done, gospel centered and easy to use. These 25 conversation cards will help you countdown to Christmas while exploring the biblical story of Jesus’s birth. Great for ages 3 and up.
ADVENT BLOCKS: Each day, read the story, and rotate that day’s block so that the image is revealed. After you read the story on December 24, turn all of the blocks one more time to reveal a secret message. This practice is a tangible way to help littles anticipate the birth of Jesus, and not just presents.
PRINTABLE ADVENT CARDS: If you haven’t subscribed to Fernandina Paper Co you are seriously missing out! From advent cards to birthday party invitations, you can personalize and print your own custom creations in just minutes.
JESUS STORYBOOK BIBLE ADVENT PRINTABLE: Each day for 24 days you can make an ornament that corresponds with one of the stories in the Bible, then read the companion story in The Jesus Storybook Bible. It’s super easy and fun for the entire family!
NATIVITY SENSORY KIT: Toddlers LOVE sensory kits! This is a great, hands on way to play and retell the story of Jesus’ birth!
THE GIVING MANGER: We started this tradition with Lively last year and she got SO excited when I pulled it out again yesterday. Not only does this keep the focus on Jesus throughout the season, but it’s a great way to introduce the concept of intentional kindness and service to toddlers. We keep it simple with delivering flowers from our garden to our neighbors and tie a little Bible verse to them.
STAR FROM AFAR: This fun hide-n-seek game encourages children to go on a hunt for their Star, similar to that of the Wise Men. Every night the Star is hidden in the child’s home. The next morning the child will search high and low until they locate it. Once they have found their Star they move all Three Wise Men to the star’s location. The will repeat this over and over again until Christmas morning when the star will be found on top of the stable above baby Jesus!
BAKE JESUS A BIRTHDAY CAKE: Last year, we started the tradition of baking Jesus a birthday cake on Christmas eve. I think the birthday aspect of Christmas is easy for kids to understand and it helps build anticipation surrounding Christ’s birth vs. Santa/gifts.
Is there a favorite Advent tradition or activity your family has enjoyed? I’d love to hear it!
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