Counting Down to Christmas: Advent Calendar Traditions for the Whole Family
There's a special kind of magic in waking up on a December morning and knowing there's a little surprise waiting. For generations, families have counted down the days to Christmas together, one small door, one tiny treasure, and one sweet moment at a time. This year, Advent begins on Sunday, November 29, and there's still time to make the season a little more meaningful.
What Is Advent?
The word Advent comes from the Latin adventus, meaning "coming" or "arrival." It's a season of joyful waiting and preparing our hearts to celebrate the birth of Christ. Advent begins four Sundays before Christmas, and for many families it's a treasured time to slow down, reflect, and focus on the true reason for the season.
3 Simple Ways to Count Down Together
- Read a little each day. Pair each day's surprise with a short story, a verse, or a favorite Christmas book. It's a peaceful way to end a busy day together.
- Add a daily act of kindness. Write a small good deed on a slip of paper for each day, like baking cookies for a neighbor or calling a grandparent. It's a beautiful way to share the gift of love beyond your own home.
- Take turns. Let a different family member open each day's surprise. Little ones especially love being the "helper" when it's their turn!
Build a Christmas Scene, Day by Day
Our hand-painted Advent calendars were created to make every December morning special. With each new day, a new little surprise is revealed, building a complete holiday scene your family will treasure.
The Countdown To Christmas Advent Calendar With Storybook is an heirloom-quality favorite. Crafted of wood with 25 hand-painted resin Nativity characters and a storybook, it tells the story of Christmas one day at a time, right up until the arrival of Baby Jesus.
A Tradition That Grows With Your Family
The best part about an Advent calendar? It comes out of the box year after year. Little ones who count down with you today will one day share the same tradition with families of their own. Complete the season with our Cradled In A Mother's Love Nativity Ornament, a gentle reminder of the love at the heart of Christmas.
Let's share the gift of love—together.
