For a special twist, wrap each book with Christmas paper and have the kids unwrap before reading. Each day, take the next book on the stack and enjoy as a family (or with the kids). Collect and place the 24 books of your choice in a central location such as table in living room or sand by the Christmas tree. A Book a Day – This popular advent countdown takes some preparation, but it is enjoyable for the whole family.

If you plan ahead, some acts of kindness can be more substantial such as feeding a family, doing community work, or helping out an elderly neighbor. On the other side of the card, write an act of kindness to be completed that day. One one side of the card, write the number to correspond with the day of advent. 24 Acts of Kindness – Using a 14″ Circular Frame, twine, and index cards… attach 24 cards around the ring.As you plan the days, you can be more in depth with what you plan for the family to do. In an archway, doorway, or corner of your living room, hang your Christmas ribbon and garland, and tie little buckets up in order (don’t forget to number them.) In each bucket, write out a thoughtful thing that you can do for someone else. Hanging Buckets of Blessings – All you need for this fantastic decorating and advent countdown idea is some cute Christmas ribbon, some garland (if you wish) and some simple hanging buckets like These.Kid’s love this! Within each jar, place a memorable Christmas token such as photos, candies, figurines, or anything else that goes with your family traditions. Placing the paper circle instead of the metal lid in the mason jar frame will allow you to “pop” open each jar during your advent countdown. Mason Jar – Use the Smallest Mason Jars you can find, cut Christmas paper in a circle (use the lid as a form) and decorate each circle to be the lid of each jar.For this one, I put either a funny Christmas joke or an old Christmas family photo in each envelope. Then, use twine and clothes pins to hang in order (or random order) on the hanger. Use a cut-out like the one Here to cut and glue each unique envelope.

Envelope Advent Calendar– Use Christmas craft paper or even used wrapping paper, a wooden clothes hanger, mini clothes pins glue, scissors, and some twine.

Something that helps prepare the family for Christmastime or brings togetherness (a scripture to read together, Christmas cards to write, a recipe to bake, etc.) Don’t forget to number your bags. For this idea, I recommend writing a fun family activity in each bag.

Paper Sack Clothespin – Gather up 24 small brown paper sacks, some cute or simple clothes pins, and some craft twine.

Christmas countdown