Advent is observed in most Christian denominations as a time of preparation for the celebration of the birth of Christ at Christmas as well as the return of Jesus at the Second Coming. On the liturgical calendar, Advent falls between Thanksgiving and Christmas, and begins roughly four weeks prior to December 25 each year. Although the Bible doesn’t say anything about observing the tradition of Advent, it has existed within the Christian church for centuries. Key symbols of Advent include lighting the Advent wreath at Mass each Sunday and counting down to Christmas with an Advent calendar.

Families that partake in the Advent countdown look to Advent calendars to help them stay on track. Advent calendars run the gamut from the simple to the elaborate. Although calendars can be purchased from various retailers, it can be a thoughtful and family-oriented project to make one at home for all to enjoy. The following are some ideas for crafty Advent calendars.

Psalms and scripture

Craft a simple Advent calendar that contains a series of cards that, when turned over, reveal a particular passage of scripture to read or a psalm that can be recited or sung. Choose passages that directly relate to the birth of Jesus if you’d like.

Good deeds

Use Advent to focus on being a better person in preparation for the joy of Christmas. Behind each calendar date, children and adults can affix certain tasks that can help them strengthen their faith. Ideas can include volunteering at a charity, donating time at church, attending a special event featuring traditional Christmas carols, or making a meal and bringing it to an elderly neighbor.

Craft for youngsters

Very young children may not understand the significance of Advent, but they can still participate in the countdown to Christmas. One idea is to get a large, Christmas-related picture and attach it to a piece of poster board. Then cut out shapes from construction paper that relate to the image that will be attached over the image to conceal it. For example, a Christmas tree image can be covered by birds, ornaments, pine cones, and other shapes. Each day of Advent, kids can remove one of these coverings. By the time Christmas has arrived, the underlying image will be fully revealed.

Food focused

Many store-bought Advent calendars are cardboard creations with small doors that hide chocolates behind them. Often that chocolate is not very tasty. Families that love to spend time in the kitchen can have a living Advent calendar where each day is a new food adventure to whip up or purchase.