This Advent calendar idea is a Christmas Countdown chain. What a great way to help kids show love for their families and grow closer to God as they prepare for Christmas!
You’ll need:
- pens, pencils, or markers
- red and green construction paper
- scissors
- tape
- Download PDF or use content below for 25 great ideas to put on the chain links
First have kids cut strips of red and green construction paper. On each strip, they’ll write a different task from the list of days. Have kids tape the ends of the paper strips together so they form rings. Then connect the rings so they form a chain.
Kids can enjoy opening a new ring each day as they count down to Christmas!
Advent Calendar Christmas Countdown
Day 1
Give someone in your family a hug, just because you love them.
Day 2
Offer to help your parents. For example, offer to set the table. Help them make their bed, as well as your own.
Day 3
Tell your teacher “thank you” for teaching you. You can do this verbally or by writing a thank-you note.
Day 4
Sing your favorite Christmas carol for your family. Invite them to sing along with you!
Day 5
Read the Christmas story in the Bible with your family. Read Luke 2:1-20. Talk about how exciting that time must have been.
Day 6
Before going to bed, think about three things that happened in your day that you’re thankful for.
Day 7
Go to the library and check out a Christmas movie to share with your family and/or friends.
Day 8
Read about the Magi (or Wise Men) in Matthew 2:1-12. The Bible says they felt overjoyed when they saw Jesus. Imagine how you would have felt to see young Jesus.
Day 9
Pray. Thank God for the many blessings you’ve received. God is your friend and loves you. You can tell God anything and everything.
Day 10
Write a letter to a friend. Everyone loves receiving mail from a friend!
Day 11
With a parent’s permission, call a family member who lives far away just to say “hi” and to visit with them.
Day 12
Draw a picture of what Jesus means to you. Display it in your room so it will stay close to your heart.
Day 13
Take a walk outdoors with your family to enjoy the fresh air. Take a good look around at the many wonders God has created.
Day 14
Play the Humming Game. Hum a favorite Christmas song and have your family take turns guessing which song it is. Then the person who guesses correctly gets to hum next! (This is a fun game to play in the car!)
Day 15
Pray for peace. Ask God to give you peace in your heart. Ask God to give you wisdom when you make choices each day.
