2010 Advent calendar

I love the idea of doing something for Advent with the kids, but day-to-day life never seems to afford the time to make or plan something out. We have done a few different things the past few years, but with the kids' ages and attention spans it was kind of hit or miss. So I finally resigned myself to give it a few years. Then I found this Advent calendar, and knew we could do it - or at least try! I printed everything out, modified some of the activities, and G helped me put it all together. I figured if it didn't work out I wouldn't be out much time or materials - only paper, envelopes and paperclips! But it turned out that the kids loved it, and S and I really enjoyed it too.

We hung the calendar on the dining room wall.


Each day had a small Bible passage from the Christmas story. To help the kids listen and remember the story, we had them act out the passage using our incredible nativity set (made by S's Uncle D).


They really liked this part!


Following the Bible passage, there was an easy question or two and then a fun activity for the day. Here they were dressing up like Mary after reading about the angel telling Mary she would have a son, Jesus.


Here they were getting piggy back rides after reading about reading about Joseph and Mary traveling to Bethlehem.


Here they were at the Holidazzle parade (thanks for the pics Auntie C!) after reading about the angels apprearing to the shepherds and the glory of the Lord shining all around them. I modified the activities suggested to fit our schedule and what I wanted to do with the kids. Our yearly family trip to this fun Christmas light parade happened to fall on a perfect day! (as did caroling with our church - that happened on the day we read about the angels singing to the shepherds!)


Here they were with their star cookies they made with Aahma B after reading about the wisemen following the star.


We enjoyed this little calendar and how it helped us keep our focus during this blessed season. With all the chaos of our lives at the time and the busyness of the season, we were able to take time each day to read the Bible, think and talk about the birth of Jesus, and do something fun together.