For Christians, Advent is a time to reflect on Christ’s first coming and prepare their hearts for His promised second coming. Through prayer, penance, and acts of charity, believers seek to align their lives with Christ’s teachings, deepening their faith and renewing their commitment to living out the Gospel in their daily lives. 

In a world where “Christmas” has become increasingly a time of high stress, overspending, and frantic “keeping up with the Joneses,” the observance of Advent invites everyone – believers and non-believers alike – to slow down and focus on what really matters.

Here are seven beloved Christian traditions to help you regain your Christmas joy and prepare for Christmas celebration.

Advent Wreath with Prayers

Create an Advent wreath with four candles (three purple and one pink). Light one candle each week leading up to Christmas, beginning with the first Sunday of Advent. Our favorites:

• Ceramic wreath
• Wreaths and candles from Monks
• Candles from Nuns

Gather as a family each Sunday, light the appropriate candle, and pray the Christmas novena prayer or read a Bible verse. Then sing one verse of “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.”

The Jesse Tree

A Jesse Tree represents the genealogy of Jesus, tracing His ancestry and showing God’s plan throughout the Old Testament. Decorate a small tree with symbols that represent these biblical stories. Sets of Jesse Tree ornaments are readily available or you can make your own. Here are some of our favorite resources:

• Real Lovely Jesse Tree Ornament Set
• Host a Jesse Tree ornament exchange
• Keep It Simple: Jesse Tree Sticker Kit

Each day, hang an ornament (or place a sticker) symbolizing a biblical event or person, such as an apple for Adam and Eve or a rainbow for Noah. Read the Scripture passage pertaining to that ornament as you progress through the Old Testament towards the birth of Christ!

Advent Calendar, Hold the Chocolates

Make or buy an Advent calendar, but instead of chocolate or treats, just enjoy the beautiful pictures. Save the treats for Christmas morning! 

Each day could include an act such as donating to a charity, saying a special prayer, or reaching out to someone in need. Here are some great ideas to make with kids.

Daily Advent Scripture Reading

Set aside 10 minutes each day to read from Scripture, particularly passages related to the coming of Christ (such as Isaiah, Luke, or Matthew). After reading, spend a few moments reflecting on the message, and consider how it applies to your life.

Family Rosary (Joyful Mysteries)

Pray the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary as a family once a week throughout Advent, reflecting on the mysteries of Christ’s birth. 

Not Catholic? The Rosary has recently been adopted by non-Catholics as a beautiful way to walk with Mary through Christ’s life. Give it a try with a Scriptural Rosary!

Assign each family member a different mystery to lead. Reflect on the relevance of the Annunciation, the Visitation, and the Nativity during this season.

Looking for a durable Rosary to gift? Check out these handmade paracord options.

image: joshimerbin / Shutterstock.com

Create a Nativity Scene Gradually

Set up your creche, or nativity scene, in stages, adding a different figure each week, saving baby Jesus for Christmas Eve.

Each time a new figure is added, reflect on his or her role in the Christmas story. For example, when you place the shepherds or animals, think about their humility and what it teaches us about God’s love for the poor.

Don’t have a nativity scene? They can be expensive to buy all at once, so try a starter set and add one figure every year.

Family Advent Almsgiving and Service Project

Advent is a season of preparation, including preparing our hearts through acts of charity. Engage in a service project as a family, like organizing a food drive, donating to a local charity, or volunteering.

These activities encourage spiritual growth, reflection, and preparation for Christmas while embracing the essence of traditional Advent practices.

Want more ideas? Check out “Advent Around the World“!

Would any of these ideas fit into your Advent celebration? If so, which ones resonate the most? Do you have any other ideas? Share them in the comments!