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If you’re looking for fun family Advent ideas this December, look no further! I’ve collected the best Christian Advent resources to engage all ages from toddler to teens. There are Advent devotionals, Advent crafts and activities, and even Advent chapter books.
I’ve also popped a couple of adult Advent ideas too so that YOU can take some time this December to be still and enjoy Jesus’ presence, amidst the busyness of the season.
So have a flick through these fun Christian Advent ideas for families and click on what takes your fancy! (Disclaimer, some of these links are affiliate links.)
1. Come and See Advent box
This fabulous box of goodies can be enjoyed by all ages. It contains everything you need to do five devotionals, along with five fun Advent activities, like lighting candles, making a den with fairy lights and drinking hot chocolate. Each of the weekly devotionals in the book focuses on a different name of Jesus, and contains questions suitable for preschoolers, older kids and teenagers – as well as a preparation for grown-ups.
2. Unexpected gift – story book and activity book
Here’s a resource for preschoolers and early schoolers. You can grab the story book OR activity book or both! The story book can be shared a page a day through Advent. The activity book is printed on thick card, with a decoration to cut, colour and put together each day! I love that it’s craft without any need for prep or extra materials you may not have lying around!
3. Rooted Advent Daily Journal for Kids
New this year, Rooted Daily Journal Co have produced this lovely, simple daily Advent journal for kids who can write. It won’t take them long, and there aren’t loads of questions to work through, simply space to write out a verse or two from the Bible, then ponder and reflect.
Buy from Rooted Daily Journal Co.
4. The Promise and the Light
One fun family Advent tradition if your kids are a little older, is to read a chapter a night from a fabulous Christmas-themed book. The Promise and the Light is brilliant – it’s the Nativity story, but brought to life with imaginative detail and context to help younger readers or listeners hear the story fresh. It has 25 chapters, so is perfect to read daily together! Aimed at 8-12s.
5. The Christmas Mystery
Another chapter book we’ve enjoyed as a family is The Christmas Mystery by Jostein Gaarder (Sophie’s World). It’s a captivating story of a young Norwegian boy who receives a very mysterious Advent calendar. Tucked behind each window is a small scrap of paper which tells a very intriguing story of a girl who disappeared 50 years ago, chasing some lambs on the way to the birth of a very special baby. This book has 24 chapters so works perfectly for December, and it gives a different take on the story of Jesus’ birth. Suitable for 8+ – but teens and adults will be thoroughly absorbed too!
6. Jotham’s Journey
My final chapter book recommendation for 8+ is Jotham’s Journey by Arnold Ytreeide. Jotham is a young boy who becomes separated from his family, travelling across Israel to find them. Little does he know that his search will lead to a stable where a very special baby is going to be born! This was a book my family enjoyed last year (kids were 14, 12, 9 and 9).
And once you’ve read this one, there are three more Advent books by the same author!
7. Rooted Advent Daily Journal for Adults
Like its kids’ version, this daily Advent journal offers adults space to ponder God’s Word as they write it out, a little each day, during December. There’s space to write reflections – what challenged you or brought you hope from the day’s reading? – as well as a gratitude section. I’m looking forward to using it this year. Perfect for anyone wanting a bit of space to meditate on the Word without lots of questions or commentary.
Buy from Rooted Daily Journal Co.
8. Redeeming Advent
Last but not least, my own devotional for busy adults. I wrote this because I found Advent devotionals really hard going! December is such a busy month – and I struggled to connect the material and practical with the spiritual. This book uses regular Advent activities (present shopping, tree decorating, gift wrapping) as a launch pad into Biblical thoughts, with a prayer and question to ponder. Perfect for busy parents or busy anyone!
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