Advent: Additional Activities

This is an appropriate time to remind the children that the Season of Advent is a time of waiting and preparation for the coming of Jesus Christ. Below are some activities that you can use to celebrate Advent with the children.

Make an Advent calendar paper chain. Count the number of days left before Christmas, and make the same number of links for the chain. On each link, write one “Advent act of kindness.” As the days pass, remove a link each day and remind the children of the “Advent act of kindness” that they are to do that day in preparation for Christmas.

Celebrate the Feast of St. Nicholas on December 6. Read the story of St. Nicholas, and then make simple Advent gifts for one another, such as bookmarks with scripture verses written on them. Decorate these gifts with the colors of Advent.

On December 8, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Read together Luke 1:26-38. Then pray together the Hail Mary. Help the children learn this prayer by heart.

On December 12, the Church celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Together, read the story about Juan Diego and Our Lady.

Pray together.
Loving God,
bless us and be with us
during this joyful season
as we prepare for the coming
of your Son, Jesus.
We ask your blessing upon us
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.