Making Christmas Memories with Your Kids
December 1st marks the start of our annual Christmas countdown. My kids—now 17, 14, and 6—still look forward to it every year.
When my oldest was just 3 years old, I started a simple tradition: one small activity each day leading up to Christmas. Nothing extravagant—just meaningful moments we could share together. At the time, I had a newborn, so these activities had to be manageable.
I created a DIY advent calendar in our dining room using paper and clothespins. Every morning, my little one eagerly opened the next card, excited to see what the day would bring.
What Kind of Activities Did We Do?
Each day included a small, simple activity that pointed him toward the meaning of Christmas. We would:
- Read a story from The Jesus Storybook Bible, perfectly leading up to the Nativity story on Christmas Day.
- Mail a Christmas card or a coloring sheet to grandparents.
- Make a bird feeder using pine cones from the backyard.
- Create a paper chain countdown for Christmas.
These activities took about 45 minutes each day and quickly became a treasured tradition. As my other children grew, they joined in and loved it just as much.
Why I Still Do Advent Activities with My Teenagers
After working in youth ministry for 20 years, I’ve learned something important: teenagers still love being kids sometimes.
The pressures of growing up often make them put aside childhood traditions, but Advent gives them a chance to revisit those joyful moments—if only for a little while.
More importantly, teenagers love knowing that they matter. As parents, we don’t just want to love our kids—we want them to feel liked and valued. These activities give us intentional time together, reinforcing that bond.
I’ve been blessed that my teenagers remain actively involved in our family, and I believe small traditions like this play a role in keeping us connected.
Creating Our Christmas Advent Calendar
About 10 years ago, I found a beautiful Advent calendar on clearance at Target. I knew it would be a timeless piece for our family, and it has served us well.
But you don’t need a fancy calendar to make this work! I’ve also used:
- Paper envelopes
- DIY paper chains
- Printable countdown sheets
A quick Pinterest search will show plenty of creative ideas!
How I Plan Our Advent Activities
To keep everything organized, I follow this simple system:
- Check the family calendar. I plan ahead, choosing quick activities for busy days and longer ones for relaxed evenings at home.
- Use a digital calendar. I add the activities to Google Calendar or iCal so I know when to buy supplies—like gingerbread house kits, candy canes, or stamps.
- Print the activity sheet. I cut out the strips, fold them, and place them in our countdown calendar.
- Match the right activities to the right days. I make sure the planned activities align with our schedule to avoid last-minute scrambling (I’ve learned this the hard way!).
A Few Important Reminders
This Advent activity list is meant to be fun, not stressful. If something doesn’t fit your family’s needs, swap it out!
For example:
- We take each child on a dinner date during the season, since we have built-in babysitters for our youngest. But when that’s not possible, we simply cook their favorite meal at home instead. Both options create meaningful moments.
The most important thing? Keep it simple and stress-free. Your kids—no matter their age—just want time with you!
Download the 35 Advent Activities for Teenagers (& Under) – Free Printable!
Get your free printable Advent activity list below.
Please do not replicate or share as your own. All rights reserved.
Final Thoughts
Christmas is not meant to feel like a burden. Make the season special in a way that works for your family—whether that means a structured advent calendar or simply finding little ways to connect throughout the season.
Your teenagers (and younger kids!) will remember the love and time spent together far more than any perfectly curated holiday experience.
Happy Advent! 🎄
