I wanted to turn our Advent Calendar into something more kinetic.  Instead of getting something each day like candy or an ornament, I thought our family could do something everyday to better prepare for the coming of the Lord.  Each of these short sayings could be written on the back of a paper gingerbread man strung up as part of your Christmas décor.  This calendar includes Catholic traditions and is merely a list of suggestions.  Of course you should adapt it to suit your family.  Merry Christmas! - Liz

 

Advent Calendar

 

1.      Prepare: Set up advent wreath and read Luke chapter 1.

2.      Gather: Get out all the Christmas books from the shelves.

3.      Count: Count money and set aside extra portion for the poor.

4.      Clean: Clean out closets.

5.      Give: Pick toys and videos to give away.

6.      Bless: Begin a novena as a Christmas gift for someone.

7.      Make: Make presents for family and friends.

8.      Donate: Buy gifts for the Giving Tree at church.

9.      Wrap: Wrap gifts.

10.  Share: Trade special toys with sibling for the day.

11.  Bake: Bake cookies for parish priests.

12.  Light:  Put lights on trees outside.

13.  Study: Learn about St. Francis and the first nativity.

14.  Work: Work hard in school today.

15.  Read: Read a Christmas book to the little boys today.

16.  Watch: Rent a fun Christmas video.

17.  See: Drive around and see the house lights tonight.

18.  Sing: Get out all the Christmas CD’s and blast them.

19.  Enjoy: Hug all of your brothers today.

20.  Eat:  Savor Christmas candy.

21.  Decorate: Decorate house and tree.

22.  Listen: Play “A Christmas Carol” while sipping eggnog infront of the fireplace.

23.  Thank:  Tell Daddy how thankful you are for all his hard work he does for us.

24.  Hear: Read “The Night Before Christmas”.

25.  Praise:  Go to church and thank God for the gift of Jesus on this Christmas morning.