4 Ways to Make Advent Fun for Kids

1. Children's Advent with Play-Doh 

One way to introduce the littles to Advent and keep their attention is to break out the Play-doh. There's much you can do with this. Between creating a Play-doh nativity scene to focusing on particular points of Advent, kids can get their fingers and minds busy with molding pieces that you can use to teach them.

The Advent wreath is one way to help little ones "light" their candles without playing with actual fire. As a child, I was often envious of my mom as she lit the candle because I wanted to so badly. In the end, it wasn't safe for my little fingers. So, try having your child make their own advent wreath out of playdoh. "Candles" can be crafted by cutting shorter pieces of a plastic straw and molding Play-doh around it. Then, a "flame" can be made from orange Play-doh or cut out a flame from construction paper. But when the day arrives, your child can light their "candle," perhaps in conjunction with the real one. This will help them adopt the Advent into their own hearts and minds while partaking in the depth of tradition.

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2. Advent Charades or Pictionary 

There are many parts to Advent. People, places, concepts, and items all play an important role in Advent. For elementary kids and up, you can create your own game of Charades or Pictionary using parts of the Advent.

First, you'll want to identify the most important elements to your family and traditions. Also, identify any elements you want to help your children learn more about. Once they're identified, write them on small pieces of paper and drop them in a bowl.

Whichever style of game you go for—Charades or Pictionary—you can split into teams or work as individuals. The person who is "it" will draw one of the papers and proceed to act it out or draw it out while the others attempt to guess it. The added "rule" will be not only must they be able to guess it correctly, but they must also be able to explain what part it plays within the Advent season. If they cannot, they can take a half point, and the designated parent/guardian/adult can use this moment to teach those playing the importance of that particular Advent element.

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3. Advent Devotional Picture Books and Videos 

There are so many children's devotional and picture books available now. For those of you looking for evening, wind-down options for the kiddos but also with interesting writing and colorful pictures, one needs only do a quick search online to find out that there are no shortages of materials there for the taking—both free and to be purchased.

An example would be Unwrapping the Greatest Gift, a book by author Ann Voskamp. This is an everything-in-one family devotional, complete with downloadable ornaments, special Advent activities, Scripture readings for each day, family discussion questions, and so much more. Plus, the illustrations are inviting and warm. Your children will come out of Advent understanding so much more about the overall timeline of Scripture, events that point to Jesus coming and coming again, and more!

4. Make Your Own Jesse Tree 

For those of you who enjoy hands-on and more crafty exploration, you can try your hand at helping your children make their own Jesse trees. Showing the genealogy of Godly heritage will be impactful, and the visual aid will be engaging and something they will remember.

You can make a Jesse tree from paper or branches or perhaps purchase a small potted evergreen tree. A search of the Internet will lead you to ornaments you can download or glean ideas from. It may be more fun for the kids to make their own ornaments from the ideas you glean online. Just remember, this is the important structure of helping them understand important people and events from the Old Testament that lead up to the birth of Christ. It's a wonderful opportunity to help the young ones learn of the linked history that continues today.

There is so much we can do to engage young minds in these foundational truths of our faith. As time continues and generations come and go, some traditions can get lost amid the flurry of holiday activity. But Advent is one that not only helps your children anticipate Christmas but, more specifically, the birth of Christ. Couple that with learning about how we got to the birth of Christ and the pivotal events of the Old Testament that create the foundational work for the coming of the Messiah, and your children will come out with a framework of understanding that is not only beneficial but key to their faith.

And if you're still at a loss as to what to do, don't forget to head to YouTube. There are options there from different denominational backgrounds that can help put Advent into an entertaining way for your children to learn.

Ideally, engage your children. Show patience when they're fidgety during Advent traditions. When possible, include them in the observation of Advent—yes, even the traditional ones. If your child can help light the candle on the Advent wreath, include them in this. Encourage your children to read the daily Scripture aloud. Allow them to issue an Advent prayer as a family before bed. Even look for Advent calendars that help reinforce the faith elements of Christmas and not just the chocolate candy of the day.

Mostly, enjoy the Advent season with a spirit of honored gratitude that the Lord has entrusted these young hearts into your hands to teach them the elements of the coming of Christ. Treasure these days, and treasure the opportunity to hide the origins of our faith into the souls of the next generation.