articles

Calendar of Kindness ~ An Alternative Advent Calendar

By Jennifer Boaz, Lenoir NC Mom & MacKid Guest Writer December 1, 2016


This time of year it is so easy to get wrapped up in presents, presents, presents! Children can become overwhelmed with the sparkle and shine of the holiday season. It’s important as parents to show kids the magical side of Christmas, but to also help them understand the giving side of the season. Instead of hanging the standard Advent Calendar filled with candy for the twenty-four days leading to Christmas, try creating an Advent Calendar of Kindness.

One inexpensive way to make it fun for the kids each day is to take twenty-four wood craft sticks and write an act of kindness on each one. Decorate the end of each stick with a festive ribbon, small stick-on bow, or wrapping paper. Set on the counter and have children take turns each day pulling out one act of kindness for the day.

AdventCal.jpg

Another easy, inexpensive idea is to grab your muffin pan (preferably the twenty-four-count one) and put a folded up Act of Kindness in each hole. Then tape a cut-out circle with a number on it to cover each hole. Every morning they get to open a new door to kindness. The kids will love these morning activities and will start their day off with loving hearts.

Here are some kindness ideas for your calendar OR a one page printable calendar for the entire month of December 2016!

  1. Clean up a mess you didn’t make.
  2. Pick a few of your toys to donate to a charity.
  3. Take a nice note to a neighbor.
  4. Hug someone.
  5. Meet a new friend at school.KindnessAdventCalendar2016mk.jpg
  6. Compliment one of your siblings.
  7. Make cookies for a friend.
  8. Leave a treat for the mail carrier.
  9. Make a Christmas card for a soldier.
  10. Smile at everyone for the day.
  11. Make a thank-you note for someone who has helped you.
  12. Help someone rake leaves or shovel snow.
  13. Take some cans of food to the local food pantry.
  14. Donate books to your school or local library.
  15. Leave some quarters at the local Laundromat.
  16. Take everyone in your class a candy cane.
  17. Make a Christmas ornament for someone.
  18. Hold the door open for someone.
  19. Take cookies and water to local firefighters/police officers.
  20. Take supplies to the pet shelter.
  21. Do an extra chore at home.
  22. Tell jokes to make someone laugh.
  23. Tape a kind and bright note to the car window for everyone to see.
  24. Take doughnuts to your teachers.