The Christmas season is filled with joy, celebrations, traditions, and anticipation. One beloved tradition that families worldwide take part in is using a Christmas advent calendar to count down the days until December 25th. Though advent calendars have been around for over a century, they remain a staple in most households.
As a professional advent calendar printing manufacturer, I make this guide to help you. If you want to make the most out of your advent calendar this holiday season, follow these simple steps.
What Exactly Are Advent Calendars?
An advent calendar is a special calendar used to count down the days of Advent or the days leading up to Christmas. Most advent calendars, especially those geared towards children, contain 24 days for the 24 days of December leading up to Christmas day on the 25th. However, some Advent calendars start on December 1st and end on Christmas eve on the 24th.
Historically, German Lutherans would use chalk or lit candles to mark down the days leading up to Noel. The first printed advent calendar dates back to 1904 in Germany as well. Over time, the calendar has evolved to be more family-friendly.
Modern incarnations have “doors” or “windows” hiding treats like:
- Bible verses
- Chocolates
- Small toys
- Activity suggestions
- Images related to the nativity story
Advent calendars add an extra layer of excitement and anticipation for one of the most popular holidays. Families can bond over unboxing surprises, reading devotional passages, and taking part in Christmas crafts or volunteer projects hidden behind calendar doors.
When Do I Start Using My Advent Calendar?
Though most calendars are designed for you to start opening doors on the 1st, there are some variations:
- December 1st – This is the standard date printed on most shop-bought advent calendars. Opening door #1 on this date will allow you to open the last door on Christmas eve.
- First Sunday of Advent – For devout Christians, the first Sunday of Advent marks the beginning of the season. In 2024, that falls on December 1st.
- St. Andrew’s Day – Some traditions state door opening should start in the last week of November, on November 30th, St. Andrew’s Day.
Most families find it easiest to start on December 1st. However, there are no hard rules. You can start your advent countdown whenever you please! Just be sure all doors are opened by Christmas morning.
Step-By-Step Guide on Using an Advent Calendar
Once you’ve purchased or made your advent calendar, use this step-by-step guide to get the most out of the experience:
Step 1: Find the Perfect Spot
First, you need to decide where your calendar will live for the month of December. Consider placing it:
- On the fireplace mantle
- In the kitchen, so it’s part of your morning ritual
- In your child’s bedroom doorway
- On a hallway wall for all to see
Wherever it goes, just be sure it will remain visible and undisturbed for the month.
Step 2: Schedule Family Time
Part of an advent calendar’s magic comes from the eager anticipation each morning. Make sure to set aside 10-15 minutes every day for your advent ritual.
In the morning, gather the whole family together before work or school. Enjoy unboxing the day’s surprises together with some hot cocoa or Christmas music in the background!
You can also make advent calendars part of your bedtime routine. Open the day’s door as you tuck the kids into bed and recap everything you’re thankful for that happened that day.
Step 3: Take Turns
Allow family members to take turns opening doors and reading devotional passages. Kids can work out a schedule between themselves on who gets to open each day. As long as everyone gets a turn, it keeps harmony and anticipation high.
For very young children, parents can assist with opening doors if needed.
Step 4: Don’t Peek Ahead!
Just like waiting to open presents on Christmas morning, try not to spoil the surprise by peeking ahead. No opening 2+ doors in one day if your child gets impatient!
Teach them that pacing themselves builds character and makes the big reveal even more exciting after weeks of suspense.
Making Your Own Advent Calendar in 2024
Part of an advent calendar’s charm can come from making them yourself. DIY advent calendars allow you to make them more personalized with your family’s favorite treats, activities, or holiday symbols.
Follow these simple DIY steps:
Choose a Theme
Select a fun theme like:
- Gingerbread
- Reindeer
- Snowmen
- Ornaments
- Twinkle lights
Let your theme guide the materials, size, shape, and decoration of your homemade calendar.
Build the Base
Next, create compartments to hide your daily surprises. You can use:
- Rolled felt sleeves
- Tiny boxes
- Paper bags
- Envelopes
- Gift card holders
Attach them row-by-row into any shape you please. A Christmas tree, stocking, or reindeer are all festive options.
Add the Numbers
Be sure to number each compartment 1 through 24. You can add numbers with:
- Glitter glue
- Stickers
- Markers
- Printed text
- Die cuts
Make sure doors open easily without ripping or damaging the numbers.
Fill With Surprises
Now for the fun part – picking the surprises inside each numbered compartment! You can fill your DIY calendar with:
- Mini chocolate bars
- Holiday erasers or tattoos
- Stickers
- Tiny plastic toys
- Activities written on strips of paper like:
- Call grandma
- Do a puzzle
- Watch a Christmas movie
- Make snowflake decorations
- Bible verses for devotional advent calendars
Get creative with mixing edible treats, small trinkets, and Christ-centered suggestions.
Making It Meaningful For Children
Beyond candy and toys, use your advent calendar to instill important values like patience, service, and gratitude in children.
Teach Children Patience
Have them practice waiting patiently day-by-day to open each door. Let them know pacing themselves allows them to fully enjoy every special moment.
Encourage Acts of Service
In addition to sweets, add slips of paper with suggested acts of kindness. These could include:
- Make a holiday card for a neighbor
- Help clean up after dinner without being asked
- Give someone a genuine compliment
Giving back and spreading cheer are what the holidays are all about!
Foster Gratitude
Write down prompts encouraging thankfulness inside calendar windows like:
- Write a list of things you’re grateful for
- Tell someone why you appreciate them
Pausing to express gratitude daily leading up to Christmas will make the holiday that much sweeter.
Advent Calendar Alternatives
If store-bought or DIY advent calendars don’t fit your fancy, get creative with counting down to Christmas using:
Christmas Books
There are dozens of well-loved Christmas stories perfect for the holiday season. Wrap up 24 holiday books and let children unwrap one per day in December. Read together as a cozy advent activity.
Ornaments
Grab 24 Christmas tree ornaments. Wrap or place each ornament inside a numbered box. Kids can unpack one new ornament per day to hang on your family tree.
Wreaths
Have kids make their own mini wreath each day by attaching treats, toys, or Bible quotes onto a ring. Link all 24 wreaths together into one giant advent garland.
The holidays are brimming with wonderful traditions to bring your family together. Using an advent calendar can add extra merriment and togetherness to this beloved time of year. Follow the tips above to make the advent countdown a can’t-miss staple in your Christmas celebrations for years to come!