Hi! I hope on this page you can find some resources for you and your families to better engage the advent season. I've included below a number of different types of activities. As you can see there are projects, videos, books, games, and music. I hope these can be fun, interactive learning experiences for your family!
I wish I could give you more specifics on what age these activities are oriented to. I sense most are oriented to kiddos from 3-10 years old. (I think Bingo, the calendar, and music would be the exceptions.)
I would love to hear how these went, please share with me some feedback!
-Nick
Advent Craft projects!
Names of Jesus Advent Countdown:
-Discover the titles of Jesus, every day of advent
-PDF coloring sheets provided in the link!
-Preferable you start at the beginning of Advent but you can start anytime!
https://catholicsprouts.com/the-names-of-jesus-advent-countdown/?fbclid=IwAR3whRgEuW3diJOAqmj6JTeshN21bKgGsazsC8atEzqCC1zoUMYWzNcpHNI
Advent Candles Project:
-Printable, colorable Advent candles and wreath
-Some other items needed, but they are common household items.
https://www.looktohimandberadiant.com/2014/11/kids-advent-wreath-free-printables.html
Advent Calendar:
There is a small reflection for each day. On some days there are suggestions for how you and your family could work towards serving others.
https://www.usccb.org/resources/Final_Advent_Calendar_2020_1.pdf
Videos oriented to advent for kids!
Children's Liturgy
Reflections on the Sunday readings oriented specifically for your kiddos. These will be updated on a weekly basis throughout the season of Avent
Below you will find Children's Liturgy for the:
4th Sunday in Advent
(Sunday, Dec. 20th 2020)
Click on the title of the book and it will take you to the amazon page with more info.
Games!
Advent Bingo:
In the Advent Bingo center, participants will be able to recall their liturgical experiences of Advent and deepen their understanding of the Church’s celebration of this season. The focus of this center is Advent practices and symbols found in Catholic liturgy.
-Designed for all ages
-Lots of Printable cards.
-Before placing a marker on their card they are asked a question about Advent or Christmas. Can be used as a tool for recall or learning!
https://www.loyolapress.com/catholic-resources/parish-ministry/intergenerational-catechesis/advent/advent-bingo-activity-center/
Advent Song Playlist!
In this playlist, there is a mix of songs for kids and adults.
The Jesse tree helps us connect the custom of decorating Christmas trees to the events leading to Jesus’ birth. The Jesse tree is named from Isaiah 11:1: “A shoot shall come out of the stock of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots.” Jesse was the father of King David. We adorn a Jesse tree with illustrated ornaments that represent the people, prophesies, and events leading up to the birth of Jesus. The ornaments of the Jesse tree tell the story of God in the Old Testament, connecting the Advent season with the faithfulness of God across four thousand years of history.
Each day in Advent, this site linked below gives you symbols or "ornaments" and presents you with Reflections and scripture readings that accompany the reflections.
https://www.loyolapress.com/catholic-resources/liturgical-year/advent/the-jesse-tree/
Printable Jesse Tree ornaments for your Christmas Tree. There are options for you to choose ornaments that are already colored or ones you can color at home!
Here is an example:
https://www.faithward.org/jesse-tree/printable-jesse-tree-ornaments/