With all of the anticipation this time of year surrounding gifts, decorations and extended family dynamics, don’t let the real reason for celebration pass you by. Because of the arrival of Jesus, we now have an everlasting hope. And that is most definitely worth celebrating.

Life gets so busy it can be difficult to make intentional time with your family this Advent season. So here are 5 fun and meaningful family activities to make the true meaning of Christmas come alive to your little ones:

1. Pray Together | Advent Prayer Calendar

Grab a calendar and write something you want to pray about as a family each day. Together, either in the morning at breakfast or at bedtime, take a few moments to pray together. You can pray for specific people or prayers of thankfulness. This activity is very versatile and can be adapted for whatever works for your family. If you’re looking for a simple way to be intentional this Advent season, this could be the perfect fit for you.

2. Be Kind Together | The Giving Jar

Have your family come up with ways to give back this season. Write 10-20 acts of kindness on individual pieces of paper and put them in a jar. Each day or maybe just a couple of days each week, draw from the jar to find a way to share joy with those around you. It can be something as simple as bringing in the trash can for a neighbor or making cookies to bring to a nursing home. You and your family can get creative in the way you show kindness with the Giving Jar.

3. Create Together | The Jesse Tree

Even though this activity is a little time consuming, with a craft each day until Christmas, the outcome is worth it. Jesse Tree is an interactive way to prepare your family for Advent. Starting with Jesse, the father of King David, each Bible story walks you through the family tree until you reach Jesus. With each story comes an ornament that symbolizes the story to hang on your tree. As your tree becomes fully decorated, your little ones will get to see how God prepared a way for Jesus to be born throughout the generations. And to make it a little simpler, there are some printable ornaments ready for your kids to color!

4. Sing Together | Advent Playlist

Each evening or even a few days throughout the month, have some intentional time of worship. Sing songs that celebrate and remember Jesus. Not only His coming, but the hope He provided to us when He stepped down from Heaven. If your family prefers a chorus rather than a craft, this can be the perfect opportunity to incorporate some Advent worship.

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5. Build Together | Play-dough Nativity

Some families are used to building Gingerbread houses during Christmas time, but what if your family built their very own nativity scene?! Using Play-dough or clay, your family can create your one-of-a-kind nativity with all of its special details. Plus, once you’re finished, it will dry and you can have it for next year too!

However you choose to celebrate Advent, just don’t forget to slow down and remember the arrival of our King. If you’re looking for more ways to dig deeper into the true meaning of Christmas with your family, tap the button below to download our Advent Devotional Guide to read through with your family.

Celebrate Christmas | A Journey Through Advent