Hey there, friend! December is barreling towards us like a toddler on a sugar high, and you know what that means. It’s time to talk about the Advent calendar. But let’s be real for a second. Are we really going to do the tiny, flimsy chocolate route again? The ones where the “surprise” is gone in 0.2 seconds and the kids are left staring at you with chocolate-smeared faces asking, “What’s next?”
I’ve been there. More times than I care to admit.
So, this year, I decided to switch things up. Instead of focusing on stuff, I wanted to focus on experiences. I put together a list of 24 Advent calendar activities that have saved my sanity (and my kids’ sugar levels) for the last two Decembers. These aren’t just fillers; they are the little moments that actually make the season feel magical.
Ready to build a countdown that doesn’t involve a trip to the dentist in January? Let’s get into it.
Why Ditch the Chocolate? (The “Why” Behind the Switch)
Look, I love chocolate. It’s a food group, right? But an Advent calendar is a countdown. It’s 24 days of anticipation. When you swap out the candy for an activity, you’re essentially giving your family 24 tiny gifts of time together.
Ever wonder why kids remember the simplest things—like the night you made popcorn and watched a cartoon—more than the expensive toy you got them? It’s the connection. These activities force us to slow down in a month that is notoriously hectic. Plus, it saves me from having to hear “I don’t like this chocolate flavor” every single morning. Win-win. 🙂
Setting Up Your Activity Advent Calendar
Before we dive into the list, let’s talk logistics. You don’t need a fancy wooden calendar with little drawers (though, IMO, those are super cute). I’ve used plain paper bags clipped to a string, or even just slips of paper stuffed into numbered envelopes.
The key is to write the activity on a slip of paper and put it in the corresponding day’s spot. If the activity needs a prop (like cookie cutters or a movie), I either put the prop in the bag or leave a clue.
My Top Tip for Success
Don’t overschedule. If you’re like me, you’ll look at this list and want to do ALL the things. But some days are just too chaotic. I always have a few “Freebie” or “Cozy Night In” slips ready as backups for those days when mom is just too tired to be festive. No shame in that game.
The 24 Days of Festive Fun
Alright, here it is. The main event. Feel free to mix and match these to fit your family’s vibe.
The Classic “Cozy” Activities
These are the low-effort, high-reward activities. Perfect for a weekday evening.
1. Decorate the Christmas Tree
This has to be day one for us. It sets the tone. Crank up the music, make some hot chocolate, and let the kids hang the ornaments (even if they all end up on the same branch). It’s about the chaos… I mean, the memories.
2. Family Movie Night with “Fancy” Popcorn
Pick a classic. But here’s the twist: make popcorn drizzled with white chocolate and sprinkles. It turns a regular Tuesday into an event. My kids now demand “movie snacks” whenever we watch anything.
3. Read a Christmas Book by the Fireplace
We have a basket of holiday books, and for this night, we turn off all the lights, light a fake candle (or a real one, you brave soul), and just read. I let each kid pick one book. It’s surprisingly calming.
4. Bake (and Decorate) Sugar Cookies
This one gets messy. Just embrace it. I don’t care if the frosting is a weird shade of green and the sprinkles are everywhere. The kids love it, and the cookies actually taste better when they’re made with love (and a little bit of floor glitter). :/
5. Build a Blanket Fort and Read Stories
Gather every pillow and blanket you own. Build the biggest fort your living room can handle. Then, grab a flashlight and read Christmas stories inside. The sillier the voices, the better.
Crafty & Creative Countdown Ideas
For the days when you need them to sit down and focus on something for more than five minutes.
6. Make DIY Ornaments for the Tree
Salt dough is my go-to. It’s basically flour, salt, and water. The kids can cut out shapes (handprints are my favorite), bake them low and slow, and then paint them the next day. They make terrible gifts for grandparents, but grandparents pretend to love them!
7. Create Handmade Christmas Cards
Forget the store-bought ones. Get out the construction paper, glue sticks, and glitter (if you dare). Have the kids make cards for their teachers, neighbors, or grandparents. It teaches them to think of others, and the results are always gallery-worthy.
8. Paint a Winter Scene
Buy a cheap canvas or just use thick paper. Give them blues, whites, and silvers, and let them paint a snowy forest. You’ll be shocked at how artistic they can be. I hang ours up as “December art” for the month.
9. String Popcorn and Cranberry Garland
This is an oldie but a goodie. It takes patience, but it’s great for fine motor skills. Plus, stringing it on the tree gives it that rustic, homespun look that I absolutely love. Just be prepared for a few broken needles… the pine ones, I mean.
10. Make Reindeer Food
Mix oats and glitter in a bowl. Tell the kids it’s magic food to sprinkle on the lawn Christmas Eve to guide the reindeer to your house. It’s simple, takes five minutes, and builds so much excitement for the big night.
Giving Back & Spreading Kindness
This is the section that makes my mom-heart grow three sizes. It’s crucial to show kids that Christmas isn’t just about getting.
11. Donate Old Toys to Charity
This can be a tough sell, so I frame it positively. “Let’s pick out toys for a boy or girl who doesn’t have as many as you.” Have them help you clean them up and pack them in a box. Taking them to the donation center together makes it real.
12. Bake Treats for a Neighbor
We usually make a double batch of cookies or banana bread. Then, we wrap up a small plate, and the kids get to deliver it to our elderly neighbor. She always makes such a fuss over them, and they walk on cloud nine for the rest of the day.
13. Write a Letter to Santa (or a Soldier)
Sure, the letter to Santa is fun. But this year, consider writing a card to a soldier or someone in a nursing home. Organizations like Operation Gratitude make this easy. It teaches empathy in a really tangible way.
14. Pick a Name from the Giving Tree
Many churches or malls have giving trees with tags for children in need. Let your child pick a tag for a kid their age and help them shop for that gift. It’s a powerful lesson in generosity.
Outdoor Adventures & Wintry Fun
Get that energy out! These are perfect for weekends or days off from school.
15. Go See the Town Christmas Lights
Pile everyone in the car in their pajamas. Grab a hot cocoa from a drive-thru. Crank up “Driving Home for Christmas” and just cruise around looking at the tackiest, brightest displays you can find. It’s free and it’s awesome.
16. Have a Hot Chocolate Bar at Home
Set out the mugs, whipped cream, candy canes, chocolate shavings, and mini marshmallows. Let everyone customize their own cup. It’s the little things, right?
17. Go Ice Skating
If you have a rink nearby, this is a fantastic adventure. Even if you spend most of your time holding onto the side, the laughter is worth it. FYI, bring a change of socks. You will thank me later.
18. Find the Perfect Christmas Tree (If you don’t have one yet!)
If you’re a real-tree family, make the hunt the activity. Walk the lot, debate the pros and cons of every tree, and finally pick “the one.” Tie it to the car and bring it home to music. It’s a whole vibe.
19. Go for a “Looking for Elves” Night Walk
This works best if it’s snowing, but even if it’s not, bundle up. Grab a flashlight and walk around the neighborhood looking for “elves” or just enjoying the crisp air. It’s a great way to reset after a busy day.
Quiet Time & Family Connections
Let’s be honest, we all need a minute. These activities are perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon.
20. Listen to a Christmas Album While Coloring
Get those holiday-themed coloring books out. Put on the Charlie Brown Christmas soundtrack or something jazzy. Light a candle. Everyone colors quietly. It’s basically meditation for kids.
21. Have a Family Game Night
Break out the board games. Whether it’s Candy Land for the little ones or Monopoly for the big kids, unplugging and playing together always leads to hilarious moments. And maybe a few arguments. But mostly fun.
22. Video Call Family Far Away
Set up a call with Grandma or the cousins who live in another state. Let the kids show them the tree, their ornaments, or sing them a carol. It means the world to the relatives and keeps those bonds strong.
23. Make Your Own Pizza Night
Shape the pizza dough like a Christmas tree or a snowman. Set out all the toppings (pepperoni, olives, cheese, peppers) and let everyone build their own personal pizza. It’s interactive and delicious.
24. Read ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
This is our final activity, every single year. On Christmas Eve, after the cookies are out for Santa, we gather in someone’s bed and read the poem. It’s the perfect way to calm the chaos before the big day. It never fails to give me goosebumps.
Wrapping It Up (Pun Intended)
So there you have it. Twenty-four ways to make this December less about the stuff and more about the us. I promise, switching to an activity calendar feels like a lot of work upfront, but the payoff is huge. You’re not just counting down to Christmas; you’re actually living the days leading up to it.
Pick the ones that resonate with you. Modify them. Forget the ones that sound like a pain. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s connection. And maybe a few decent photos for the ‘Gram.
Now, go grab some paper bags and a marker. Let the countdown begin! 🎄
