Every year, Advent seems to arrive faster than I expect. One minute it’s November, and the next I’m realizing December is here and I haven’t quite decided how I want our family to walk through it. I don’t want Advent to feel rushed or performative. I don’t want it to be another thing to keep up with. 

This year, I wanted something different for my son. I wanted Advent to be more than counting down to Christmas morning. I wanted it to gently invite him into the season—through small moments of faith, kindness, service, and togetherness, mixed in with the cozy traditions kids love. That desire is what led me to create our Advent Activity Cards.  

Why I Made Advent Activity Cards

I kept noticing the same tension each December:  

  • wanting Advent to be meaningful 
  • but also realistic with kids 
  • and not overly complicated 

I didn’t want:  

  • an activity every day that required a trip to the store 
  • a rigid schedule that fell apart the first busy week 
  • or something that felt like another checklist 

Instead, I wanted gentle prompts—ideas that could guide our days without controlling them. Things like:  

  • serving others in simple ways 
  • loving people around us intentionally 
  • staying focused on faith 
  • and creating memories through slow, cozy activities 

So I created 48 printable cards:  

  • 44 cards with kid-friendly prompts for faith, service, kindness, and togetherness 
  • 4 blank cards so I could replace a day, repeat a favorite, or add something personal as needed 

Because Advent should support your family, not stress it.  

What Kind of Activities Are Included?

The cards intentionally mix different kinds of moments—so Advent feels balanced and joyful instead of heavy or rushed. Some examples include:  

  • writing thank-you notes for teachers 
  • lighting an Advent candle together 
  • Christmas movie night with a themed dinner 
  • stringing popcorn to make garland 
  • hosting a simple game night 
  • delivering lunch to someone you love at work 
  • writing kind notes to tuck into stockings 
  • baking and decorating birthday cupcakes for Jesus 

They’re meant to be:  

  • doable 
  • flexible 
  • and meaningful for young children 

You don’t need to do every card. You simply choose what fits your family this year. 

 

How to Use the Advent Activity Cards

There’s no “right” way to do this. Below are a few of my favorite, tried-and-true ways to display and use the cards—depending on your space, energy, and kids’ ages. 

1. Strung on a Garland with Clothespins

This is one of my favorites if you like things visual.  

  • Hang a simple string or greenery garland 
  • Use mini clothespins to attach one card per day 
  • Place it in the kitchen, hallway, or living room 

Kids love unclipping the card each morning and seeing what the day holds. It also keeps Advent front and center in your home.  

2. Inside Envelopes in an Advent Wall Hanging

If you already have an Advent wall hanging (or calendar), these cards fit right in.  

  • Slide one card into each dated pocket or envelope 
  • Pull out the card each day 
  • Read it together and decide when or how you’ll do it 

This works beautifully if you want a clean, contained system.  

3. Attached to Small Bags or Baskets

If you like being a little extra (or just enjoy planning ahead):  

  • Attach the card to a small paper bag 
  • Add any simple items needed for that day’s activity  
    • popcorn kernels 
    • cookie cutters 
    • tea lights 
    • notecards or pens 

This makes each day feel special without being extravagant.  

TIP; Loosely Plan These in a Calendar

This is what I personally do. I choose the cards I want to use, then plug them loosely into my Google calendar so I can:  

  • prep ahead for baking or errands 
  • switch days easily 
  • avoid the daily “what are we doing today?” decision 

It gives structure without rigidity—and that’s the sweet spot for me.  

A Little Reminder

You don’t need to do Advent perfectly for it to be meaningful. Some days will be simple.

Some days will get skipped.

Some days will turn into something entirely different. That doesn’t mean you failed. It means you’re living real life with your children—and inviting them into the season as best you can. My hope is that these Advent Activity Cards give you a soft framework—a way to slow down, love well, and stay centered on what truly matters in the weeks leading up to Christmas.  

Download the Free Advent Activity Cards

I’m sharing these free this month, because I made them for my own family first—and I’d love for them to bless yours too. 

👉 Download the free Advent Activity Cards here: If you use them, I’d love to hear which cards your family loves most. 🤍