Jesse Tree
The Jesse Tree is an easy way to help prepare your kids for the coming of Christ by walking them through Salvation History one story at a time. Each day you add a new ornament to your tree making for a beautiful reminder of God's faithfulness.
Other Ideas:- Dozens of handmade sets on this Pinterest board
- How to do an exchange
- Printable ornaments for coloring
- Pick one to purchase!
Advent Calendar
Every child loves to countdown the days until Christmas... wait everybody loves to countdown the days until Christmas. Each year we pick something different to fill our pocket calendar to make this tradition extra fun. We've done chocolates, puzzles pieces, mini ornaments for a mini tree, and this year we are doing a Lego Advent calendar (see below).
Other Ideas:
- Paper chain
- Pick one from Oriental Trading Company
- Pocket calendar fillers
- Legos or Playmobil figures
- Candy
- Four puzzle pieces each day of a 100 piece Nativity puzzle
- Toys
- Nativity Stickers (cut them out and put one in each pocket)
Sacrifice Manger
Advent used to be a time of penance like Lent. While the Church doesn't give us specific ways of fasting and preparing today, it does call us to do something to prepare to welcome our Lord. For the past several years we have made a manger for baby Jesus and as the kids offer special prayers, sacrifices, or good deeds, they add a piece of hay to the manger. The hope is to make a nice soft bed for Him by Christmas.
Other Ideas:
- Use this free printable: Sunday School Kids
- Buy this bulk kit: Oriental Trading Company (We did this with a group one year.)
- Here is a simple handmade manger: Serving Pink Lemonade
Advent Wreath
This is probably the most known and loved Advent tradition. I've never posted on our Advent wreath, but of course we use one!
Other Ideas:
- Pick one from this Pinterest board or buy a bulk kit to make a wreath with you kids
- Bless your Advent Wreath! Catholic Culture
- Read up on the history of the Advent Wreath: Catholic Education
Advent Books
Last year we began the tradition of unwrapping and reading one Advent book a night. I get all of the books from the library and wrap them up in pink and purple paper. We loved this tradition and plan on doing it again. I will post our list for this year when I compile it but you can check out other bloggers lists now!
- Shower of Roses
- Waltzing Matilda: 2010, 2011
- Following the Trails to Heaven
- The Careless Catholic
Other
Other ideas:
- Advent Music Playlist
- Holy Heros Advent Adventures
- The Jesse Box (This is such a cool way to tell the infancy narratives!)
- O Antiphons