Advent is nearing and life just rarely seems to slow down. So, I know this will be a year where we don't "do it all" as we prepare hearts and homes for the coming of Christ.
Rather, we'll pick and choose from our past Advent activities, making sure to keep favorite traditions alive while also accounting for current schedules and the ages and stages my children are in.
To help me discern which Advent traditions and activities we might embrace this year, recently, I asked my 11-15 year-olds to list traditions, customs, and Advent activities that they enjoy and would like to partake in this year if possible.
Among the ideas they shared were the following, which I share forward in case they might inspire your Advent celebrated with tweens and teens.
1. Counting down with our Advent Chain.
This is one of our oldest traditions, and, though it's been tweaked a bit throughout the years, the gist of it has always remained the same.
We brainstorm activities to do during Advent and write them on slips of paper. Then, we staple the strips into a paper chain which we hang in our living room as a visual Christmas countdown calendar.
Each day, we take off a ring and make the activity happen if we can.
It's a wonderful way to focus us on Works of Mercy while also serving as our Advent calendar.
Each day, we take off a ring and make the activity happen if we can.
It's a wonderful way to focus us on Works of Mercy while also serving as our Advent calendar.
2. Doing acts of kindness and putting straw in Baby Jesus' manger.
Preparing the manger for Jesus is such a simple, yet effective tradition for reminding us to prepare both hearts and home for the celebration of Christ's coming. I am excited to continue this longtime tradition this year with our new The Giving Manger!
Of course, the kids like finding rats in their shoes or boots. One of my children enjoys watching a St. Nicholas animation still, too. All appreciate the opportunity to give to others through making our annual St. Nicholas Basket to gift to a neighbor. I highly recommend this tradition to others!
4. Celebrating the Immaculate Conception (and a birthday.)
Mass, of course, is a must on the eve of day of the Immaculate Conception. Sometimes, we have a special marian meal or dessert, too. Plus, in our home, it's a birthday day. Lots of blessings!
5. Boxing meals at our church.
Sadly, 2020 knocked out our long time tradition of helping to box meals for families in need, and, we just discovered that the volunteer opportunity is not returning to our local church community this year. So, I am hoping to get together an alternative with friends.
My children were so sad that this tradition was canceled for the 2020 advent seasons and are so excited to hear it is returning this year. We have put it on our calendar to call the morning we have been told that volunteer sign ups wil begin to be taken, and encourage you to find a local gifting/wrapping/delvering program to partake in if you can, too.
7. Going caroling to our neighbors and gifting them homemade cookies - and, sometimes, caroling at nursing homes, too.
Trust me, you need not sing well to carol for neighbors and nursing homes- just have a heart for bringing cheer... and perhaps some homemade cookies, too.
8. Getting our tree and decorating it on Christmas Eve.
Dewcorating the tree on Christmas Eve is a tradition I grew up with and have passed down to my children. It warms my heart that it is one they appreciate!
I am discovering that it is sometimes challenging to draw my growing children into living the liturgical year with enthusiasm and am grateful that, despite their differing personalities, interests, and stages, each of them looks forward to some aspects of Advent still.
I'd love to hear what Advent activities appeal to your teens and tweens.
