Y’all, I know it’s barely November and Thanksgiving is late this year but, seriously, it will be December 1 before we know it. And if you are anything like me, you always have great aspirations for doing Advent as a family but somehow the execution always ends ups being not what you’d hoped.
This year, I wanted to create a list of easy family Advent resources … and by easy I mean, even I could probably manage these! 🙂
But before we get to the list, I want to remind you of a couple of things.
Two Things to Remember
First, doing something (and not everything) is okay. By that I mean, it’s not the end of the world if you miss a day (or ten). The holidays are stressful enough without adding even more self-expectation. Do what you can as you can. Your family will gain more from the time spent together when you are enjoying it yourself.
And second, there isn’t a perfect Advent plan. Which is to say, if you start something and it just doesn’t work for your tribe, it’s okay to punt! I’ll try to give you insight into each of these resources but, the reality is, you never know if it’s going to work for your family until you try it. Also, you can modify these to work within your schedule and interests. It will be okay!
Now that we have those two things in place, let’s take a look at some of the best Family Advent resources available this year. {There are affiliate links in this post.}
20 Family Advent Resources
I’ve divided these into categories to help you figure out what might work best for your family. Some of these may fit into multiple categories but I’ve placed them in the one they most reflect. I hope this helps!
Crafty and Creative
Truth in the Tinsel — I’ve been recommending this incredible resource from Amanda White for YEARS. Amanda was a children’s pastor and is still actively involved in children’s ministry. She has such a great ability to help families focus on the Lord and have fun connecting with each other at the same time.
Bake through the Bible at Christmas — I don’t know how I never saw this one before because it’s right up my alley! I am excited to get this one and invite some of my favorite “little people” over to bake with me.
Once a Week
Little Village Advent Guide — This is free resource created by The Village Church. It’s weekly not daily so that may be a HUGE help for some families. Each week has Scripture readings, reflection questions, songs, and activities to do as a family. This guide is designed for younger children but I think could be adapted for upper elementary as well.
Advent Candle Cards — This set of interactive Advent candle cards helps you teach your family all about the tradition of Advent candles. Little ones can even color in the flame to “light” each candle (no actual candles and flames required). This is a great way to introduce Advent to your family without having to gather a lot of supplies. This one is PERFECT for busy families!
Families without Little Ones
Joy & Peace Conversation Starter Cards — Since we’re all grown ups here at the Underwood house, things like conversation cards are a great way for us to discuss Christmas in an intentional way. These would also be great to have with a larger family gathering. Cards have questions to ask, stories to share, and Scriptures to read. This would also be fun to have if you are hosting a party with friends.
Come, Let Us Adore Him — Okay, this is hands down my favorite Advent devotional. I am a HUGE Paul David Tripp fan (New Morning Mercies is my favorite daily devotional) and this book is just so good. I think if you are in a home, like ours, where everyone is busy and running on different schedules, this would be a great book to leave open on the kitchen island or coffee table.
Elf on the Shelf Alternatives
Star from Afar — If you love the idea of Elf on the Shelf but would rather do something that points toward Jesus, this is the resource for you! I have given this to several families with little ones. It’s well made and will make a perfect way for you to share the Christmas story with your family for generations to come.
Children’s Countdown Nativity — Is there a chance that 24 days of doing something is just not going to happen at your house? I say that because I know it was true for us, especially when Casiday was little. That’s why I love this little countdown Nativity. You could use it to countdown the 12 days before Christmas or you could just add pieces as you remember so the whole set is out before Christmas. Whatever works!
Ornament Collections
Family Advent Ornaments — These are designed to go with The Story of the Bible from A to Z, you could definitely use them on their own as well. On the back of each card is a short description of the story in the Bible. They are beautiful and I think they’d be perfect to use on a smaller tree in your child’s room or playroom.
Names of Jesus Ornaments Advent Book — Such a fun way to get your family involved in decorating while learning about our Savior. And, these beautiful paper ornaments can’t be broken! The book contains seven ornaments featuring the names of Jesus alongside devotions explaining the name. You could use these on your tree or on some garland for a beautiful reminder of the names of Jesus. (You may also enjoy Unwrapping the Names of Jesus book upon which these ornaments are based.)
Story and Activity Books
Jesus is Born — This is an adorable little activity book that would be great for younger children in your family. A fun way to help your kids engage with the story of Christmas. (Dayspring also has a super cute activity book based on the Charlie Brown Christmas.)
The Wonder of the Greatest Gift — If you love Ann Voskamp’s Christmas book, The Greatest Gift, you’ll love this beautiful way to celebrate Advent with your family. With twenty-five daily devotions and s beautiful pop-up Christmas tree that you can decorate every day with the tiny ornaments in the boxes below the tree, this is perfect for your coffee table or to use as part of your bedtime routine.
Jotham’s Journey — Let me say, this one I have not used … BUT, my brother and sister-in-law who have 11 kids ages 3 to 21 have been using it for the past ten years and they (and all their kids!) love it. If you like to read together as a family, this is a perfect Advent choice. (There are actually four books in this series and Beth says all of them are great.)
When Will It Be Christmas? — This fun book is part devotional and part activity. I think it would make a great supplement to have on hand for those days during Christmas break when everyone needs something to do.
God’s Christmas Promise — This little pop-up book is absolutely adorable! If you have little ones in your home, or if you’re like me and have little ones who visit, this is a book you’ll want to have in your Christmas library.
The Advent Storybook — This book contains 25 stories from the Bible which point to the reason why Jesus came. With beautiful illustrations, your children will love looking at this one. And each story ends with a question for you all to consider together.
Daily Devotional Books
The Story of the Bible from A to Z — I love this resource. I wish I’d had it when Casiday was little. Using stories from throughout Scripture, this is a guide for you to teach your children how the Advent story was prophesied and fulfilled and how we are a part of God’s bigger story.
Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room — This daily devotional written by one of my favorite Bible teachers, Nancy Guthrie, is definitely a resource you will want to add to your collection. It is biblically sound and doctrinally rich while remaining understandable for even younger elementary age children. If you didn’t grow up in the church or feel you don’t have a good grasp of the Christmas story, this book will be a lifeline for you.
25 Days of Christmas — This devotional book will walk your family through Advent with stories, Scripture, and activities while keeping your hearts and minds focused on the true meaning of the season.
The Way to the Manger — This family devotional book invites us to keep our focus on the reason for Christmas and our need for a Savior. I love that it has 25 devotions to share as a family and includes talking points for parents to help engage their children in discussion.
The Advent of Christmas — I’m excited about this new Christmas book by Matt Maher. Designed for children ages 2-10, this book will help your child grow in understanding the glory of God and the spiritual meaning of Advent.
I hope this list is helpful to you as you try to figure out what you will do for Advent with your family! If you have any other resources to share, please do so in the comments!
Looking for great Advent resources for your family? Here are some ideas in several different categories including families with no little ones, weekly and daily devotions, storybooks, and more! Share on X
Teri Lynne: Thank you for sharing about Truth in the Tinsel year after year! You are a gift!
And just reading thru this list made me so happy–think of all the families using one of these resources to focus on and (for kids) discover Jesus for the first time! I get so excited thinking about it!
Thanks for sharing all these resources for others!
ohAmanda recently posted…How To Talk To Your Kids About 9/11
Oh friend, it’s my favorite thing to recommend for the holidays!! I love telling others about it!