6 Advent Countdown Ideas: Start Now!

Bekki — Sun, 04 Nov 2018 23:00:00 +0000

I love the holidays! I love our Lord Jesus with all my heart and it simply makes my heart skip a beat that, at this time of year, I can celebrate His coming in creative and unique ways.

As a homeschooler, I have to confess that I have an incredibly difficult time focusing on traditional studies during the holidays. I’m simply too distracted by HIM to get too wrapped up in anything else! While we will “do school” we will absolutely spend too much time doing other things… And that is just the way it is:). While I will incorporate “school” ideas soon enough, I want to let you know that if you are like me, distracted by the blinking lights and nativities… It’s OK! Actually, it fantastic.

To kick off the Holiday’s, embrace whatever makes your Christmas Season wonderful and find ways to share the wonder with your kids. Dare to break away from traditional schoolwork to really focus on the Lord.

Break out the glitter.

Roll out the Dough.

Dust off the piano.

Be amazed.

“For unto us a Child is Born!”

I started making Advent Calendars with my kids years ago. Every year I look for new and inspired ways to countdown the days until Christmas.

Here are a few classics.

Easy Paper Christmas Countdown Chains.

I make paper chains with my boys every year.

I don’t care if they are mostly teenagers now. The Chains make me happy.

We usually write the names of people in our lives on each link and hang the chain for decoration. Each day as we remove a link, we pray blessing over the person whose name is on the link. I stumbled upon another great chain today. Spell Out Loud has a terrific printable packet that gives you a theme for each day along with a coordinating scripture to read together. I just printed mine.

Do this now, so you have all 25 days to enjoy!

Countdown Clips

Kirsty Wiseman makes these cute clothes pin advent countdown calendars. I think this would be fun to hang on the kids door:).

Advent Ornaments

Advent ornaments are another fun way to countdown.

Cheri at I am a Momma Hear me Roar had a wonderful post about having a special box of advent ornaments, each with one of the Names of Jesus. I cannot wait to make a box for my own family. I love that she even has a “guess which ornament is most likely to be remade next year!” Too fun.

Snowglobe Ornaments

Crafty morning is one of my favorite online crafters. This adorable snowglobe ornament could easily be made into a countdown calendar! Watch the tutorial here.

“The Twelve Days of Christmas”

The Craft Patch put together “The Twelve Days of Christmas” which incorporates a present, a story, and candy. I love how this collection was put together to send to a far away family member! This one could either be made for your kids, or made by your kids and gifted to someone special!

25 Random Acts of Kindness

You simply have to visit Tracie’s post about this one… What a fun idea! I cannot wait to share this one with my husband and kids!

Advent Printables

Advent Scattergories is a wonderful way to build relationships and have fun during the holidays.

Great for kids of all ages (who know their alphabet or on a team with someone who does!)

Each year we count down the days to Christmas using Advent Calendars!

Printable Advent Calendar
Pieces for each day of the month

Simply copy, cut and go!

Nestle your learning activities within Christmas and Advent-themed activities. Kids will love the Christmas graphics and exercises and you will love that you can push forward and check off the box “I taught my kids today” with a big smile.

Do you have a favorite advent tradition?

A Better Way to Homeschool

6 Advent Countdown Ideas: Start Now!