24 of the Most Realistic Advent Calendar Ideas for Busy Families

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Advent Calendar Ideas for Busy Families

Intentionally making memories with my family means so much to me. Growing up, we had so many holiday traditions and many of them I’ve carried over into my family. But, this year I wanted to start some traditions of our own. We added a tree to Jade’s room and she loves every moment of it. It’s the sweetest thing ever. Another family tradition we’re starting is an Advent calendar. I put together 24 advent calendar ideas that I plan to do with our family and I wanted to share them with you in case you want to join in on the fun.

Advent Calendar Ideas for Busy Families

What’s an advent calendar?

First things first, you’re probably wondering what’s an advent calendar. Advent simply means the anticipation of something. Advent calendars are used to count down the days until Christmas. The countdown typically includes taking time each day to prepare for Christmas and is celebrated with a small item or devotion of some sort that is opened each day.

I snagged our Advent calendar from Gathre. They have a small and large version, and I have the small one. It’s the perfect size for little treats and toys and is made from the same material as their mats. It’s absolutely beautiful and helps bring us a little extra joy to the holiday season.

Advent Calendar Ideas

24 Advent Calendar Ideas

With an Advent calendar, you can be as creative as you like. We’re planning to do a lot of at-home activities. Jaxon is still too small to really appreciate the festivities right now, so the advent calendar ideas I have planned are for Jade to do with my husband and me.

When I was putting our Advent calendar together, I realized that a lot of the activities are things we’ve been doing, but now it’s in a lot more organized way. One of the activities I’m most excited about is creating the Orange Peel Garland. I wanted to do this one last year, but time just got away from me.

Below are 24 realistic and fun Advent calendar ideas that even the busiest family will be able to do to countdown to Christmas.

  • Small Gift
  • Enjoy hot cocoa
  • Watch a Christmas movie
  • Attend a local Christmas event
  • Visit Santa
  • Enjoy a festive breakfast 
  • Read a Christmas story
  • Perform a random act of kindness
  • Make salt dough ornaments
  • Have a red & green dinner
  • Donate old toys
  • Make a Gingerbread house 
  • Wear Christmas pajamas to bed
  • Write a letter to Santa
  • Cut snowflakes & decorate the window
  • Have a picnic under the Christmas tree
  • Drive around to look at Christmas lights
  • Have a dance party 
  • Paint a wooden nutcracker
  • Family game night in front of the tree
  • Make DIY Snowflake ornaments
  • Bake Christmas cookies
  • Make a Orange Peel Garland
  • Leave out cookies for Santa & carrots for reindeer
24 Advent Calendar Ideas for Busy Families

Do you do an Advent calendar with your family? If so, I’d love to hear how you fill yours.

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