Grace Thompson
Advent is a period of penance and preparation for the coming of the Saviour. It is a time for Catholics to observe traditions that focus on salvation history from Creation through the Incarnation of Jesus. A DIY Catholic Advent calendar is a great way to get your family excited about the true meaning of Christmas. You can make your own Advent calendar with cardstock paper, or print one out, and fill it with daily surprises, Bible verses, reflections, and holiday fun.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of days | 23-29 days |
| Display | Wall adhesive, stacked, or in a decorative box/basket |
| Content | Candies, Bible verses, reflections, and holiday fun |
| Activities | Making a wreath, singing Christmas carols, reading the Nativity story, hanging ornaments, blessing the Advent wreath, placing wreaths and candles, special prayers, celebrating feasts, etc. |
| Purpose | To count down the days from December 1st to Christmas Eve |
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What You'll Learn
Printable Advent calendar for kids
If you're looking for a fun, Catholic-themed Advent calendar for your kids, there are plenty of printable options available online. Many of these are paid products, but they offer a range of creative and educational activities for children to enjoy in the lead-up to Christmas.
One such option is the 『Printable Advent Countdown Calendar』 from Catholic Icing. This calendar features a holly leaf for each day of Advent, with the days of the week labelled on the leaves. It also includes candles that coordinate with the Sundays of Advent. The calendar is offered in black and white, colour, and as a blank template that can be filled in in any language. It costs $1 and can be purchased from the Catholic Icing website.
Another option is the 『Printable Advent Calendar』 from Teachers Pay Teachers. This calendar includes 24 meaningful and engaging activities, such as baking cookies and writing letters to Santa. It's designed to help children and families embrace the joy, kindness, and creativity of Christmas. The calendar is available as a digital PDF file and can be printed out and used at home or in the classroom.
Loyola Press also offers a range of printable Advent calendars, including one specifically for children. This calendar includes short suggestions for prayer, activity, or reflection, and can be hung on the family refrigerator.
In addition to these, there are a variety of other printable Advent calendars available online, many of which include crafts, colouring pages, and other activities for kids. These calendars offer a fun and interactive way for children to count down the days until Christmas and learn more about the Catholic faith.
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Advent wreaths and candles
What You'll Need:
- A wreath form, which can be a simple wire frame or a more decorative base made from materials like twine or grapevines.
- Four candles: three purple and one rose (or pink). The traditional colours are symbolic, with purple representing penitence and royalty, and rose symbolizing joy.
- Greenery: You can use fresh or dried evergreen branches, such as pine, holly, or cedar.
- Additional decorations: This could include ribbon, bows, pinecones, berries, or small ornaments.
Instructions:
- Start by forming your wreath base. If using a wire frame, bend it into a circular shape and secure the ends together. If your base is made from twine or grapevines, ensure it is securely fastened and ready for decorating.
- Attach your greenery to the wreath form. You can use hot glue or floral wire for this step. Create an even covering of greenery around the entire wreath, giving it a full and lush look.
- Place your candles on the wreath. The candles should be arranged evenly around the wreath, with enough space between them to avoid melting neighbouring candles. You can use candle holders or simply attach the candles directly to the wreath form.
- Add your additional decorations. This is where you can get creative and personalize your wreath. Consider adding a bow at the base of each candle, or weaving in some ribbon throughout the greenery. Pinecones, berries, and small ornaments can also add a festive touch.
- On each of the four Sundays of Advent, light one additional candle, starting with the first purple candle. The second Sunday, light the first purple candle again and add the second purple candle. On the third Sunday, light the first and second purple candles and light the rose candle, which symbolizes rejoicing as Christmas draws near. Finally, on the fourth Sunday, light all the previous candles and light the final purple candle.
Remember, never leave burning candles unattended, and ensure your wreath is placed on a heat-resistant surface. Enjoy creating this beautiful Advent tradition with your family!
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Christmas carols and hymns
Select a Variety of Hymns and Carols:
Choose a mix of traditional and modern hymns and carols that your family can enjoy together. Include well-known classics such as "O Holy Night," "Silent Night," "Away in a Manger," and "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel," which have Catholic roots and are perfect for the Advent season. You can also explore other options like "Bethlehem Down," "Gabriel's Message," "For Unto Us a Child is Born," and "Es ist ein Ros' entsprungen" (A Rose Has Sprung Up). Don't forget to include some Advent-specific music to fill the days leading up to Christmas, capturing the themes of waiting, longing, and mystery.
Create a Musical Calendar:
Assign a different hymn or carol to each day of your Advent calendar. You can write the name of the song on the door or compartment for that day. When your family opens that day's surprise, they will discover the assigned hymn or carol, which you can then listen to, sing together, or discuss its meaning. This approach will create a musical journey through Advent, helping your family engage with the themes and messages of the season.
Incorporate Activities:
Pair each hymn or carol with an activity that deepens your family's understanding of the song's meaning and its relation to the Advent and Christmas story. For example, after listening to "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel," discuss the song's origins and its significance in anticipating the birth of Jesus. You could also create a family sing-along night, where you gather around the Christmas tree, sing the hymns and carols from your calendar, and share reflections on their impact.
Explore Other Musical Traditions:
In addition to the songs themselves, you can include activities that explore the broader musical traditions of the Advent and Christmas seasons. Attend a "Lessons and Carols" service at a local church to experience the power of this tradition. You could also research and learn about the history and evolution of Advent hymns and carols, discovering how they have shaped and been shaped by Christian culture.
Make it Interactive:
Engage your family actively by creating interactive elements related to the hymns and carols. For example, you can hide clues or puzzles within your Advent calendar that lead your family on a musical scavenger hunt, with each clue relating to a different hymn or carol. This interactive approach will make the experience more engaging and memorable for all ages.
By incorporating these ideas into your DIY Catholic Advent calendar, you will create a musical journey through the Advent season, helping your family connect with the true meaning of Christmas through the power of hymns and carols.
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The Jesse Tree tradition
The Jesse Tree gets its name from Isaiah's prophecy in the Old Testament: "There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots". The tree symbolises the lineage of Jesus, with each ornament representing a different story from the Old Testament that ultimately leads to the birth of Jesus.
Starting on December 1st, families hang one ornament at a time on their Jesse Tree. Each ornament depicts an Old Testament story, such as Adam and Eve, Noah's Ark, or the Ten Commandments. Families can then discuss the importance of each Bible story and how it relates to Jesus' birth. This helps children gain a deeper understanding of the prophecies and the unfolding plan of salvation.
There are many ways to create your own Jesse Tree. You can use a branch from your yard and hang the ornaments directly on it, or you can add them to a simple banner string on your fireplace mantle. Etsy offers a variety of downloadable options that can be printed and coloured as a family. Holy Heroes also offers DVDs, online videos, and ornaments with matching books to guide you through the tradition.
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Family prayers and Bible readings
Advent is a period of penance, turning away from sin, and joyful preparation for the coming of the Saviour. It is a time for family prayers and Bible readings. Here are some ideas for DIY Catholic Advent calendars and activities to enhance your family's Advent experience:
Family Prayers
- Each evening at dinner, say a special Advent prayer.
- On the first Sunday of Advent, bless your Advent wreath. Use the blessing provided by the U.S. Catholic bishops.
- Sing traditional Christmas carols as a family, such as "O Holy Night," "Silent Night," "Away in a Manger," and "O Come, O Come Emmanuel."
- Pray the St. Andrew Novena, as suggested by Heather Ercolani Hampton.
- Attend Mass weekly, and if possible, consider attending daily Mass as a family.
Bible Readings
- Read the Nativity Story from the Gospels of Matthew and Luke.
- Read "Welcome Baby Jesus: Advent and Christmas Reflections for Families" by Sarah Reinhard.
- Read "Jotham's Journey."
- Read "Bible Characters for Advent," a book written specifically for young children.
- Read Scripture and reflect on the images and symbols of the Jesse Tree tradition.
- Read the First Sunday of Advent readings as a family.
Advent is a special time for Catholics to focus on salvation history and prepare for the birth of Jesus. These family prayers and Bible readings will help create a meaningful and memorable Advent season.
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Frequently asked questions
Advent is the period encompassing the four Sundays before Christmas, recognised by the Latin word 'adventus', meaning a coming, approach, or arrival. It is a time of penance and preparation for Christians as they await the coming of the Saviour.
A DIY Catholic Advent calendar is a special calendar used to count down the days from 1 December to Christmas Eve. It consists of small numbered compartments or doors, with each one being opened daily to reveal a surprise. A DIY Advent calendar can be made at home using cardstock paper, with each box containing a daily inspiration, Bible verse, reflection, or holiday fun activity.
Some ideas for activities include reading the Bible, saying special prayers and readings with your family near a lit Advent wreath, singing seasonal hymns, and performing acts of love and charity. You can also incorporate candy canes, which hold symbolic meanings related to Jesus' birth and sacrifice.
There are various online resources available for creating a DIY Catholic Advent calendar. Websites such as Dynamic Catholic, Catholic Icing, Teaching Catholic Kids, and Etsy offer printable Advent calendars, instructions, and inspiration. Some resources are free, while others may require a small fee or subscription.
