Suggested Advent Activities from the CRE
Advent is a time to prepare for the birth of Jesus on Christmas Day. Through prayer, penance and good deeds we will open our hearts to accept Jesus. The Advent candles we light each week will guide us on our journey to Christmas. They represent the virtues of hope, love, joy and peace which we will follow in order to ready our hearts for the newborn savior, Jesus.
Click here for a copy of the blank Christmas tree and place it somewhere for the family to see.
Each time you do what is suggested for the day, color an ornament. Watch the tree become full of life with your prayers and good deeds.
Week 1 – Hope
Light the first purple candle for Hope.
The light reminds us of the hope that God gives us on our way to Bethlehem.
Monday, Dec. 3- Talk about what Advent means.
Tuesday, Dec. 4 - Look up at the wonder of the night sky tonight and say thanks to God.
Wednesday, Dec. 5 – Say a prayer for the world’s hungry people.
Thursday, Dec. 6 – Give a genuine compliment to someone.
Friday, Dec. 7 – This weekend have each member of your family finish this sentence: “To me, Christmas means…”
Week 2 – Peace
Light the second purple candle for Peace.
The light reminds us of the peace that God gives us in Jesus Christ
Monday, Dec. 10 – Be nice to someone you do not like.
Tuesday, Dec. 11 – Clean your room without being asked.
Wednesday, Dec. 12 – Hug everyone in your family today.
Thursday, Dec. 13 – Do a good deed for a family member, classmate or neighbor.
Friday, Dec. 14 – Say a prayer for those who are sick, handicapped or elderly.
Week 3 – Joy
Light the pink candle for Joy.
The light reminds us not to be afraid but to be joyful on the way to Bethlehem.
Monday, Dec. 17 – Say thanks to your teachers, cafeteria staff, mailmen, garbage men, police men, crossing guard, priests, grocery staff, etc… for all they do for you each day.
Tuesday, Dec. 18 – Lead grace at mealtime and offer to set the table before or clean up after dinner tonight.
Wednesday, Dec. 19 – Say a prayer of thanks for your many blessings.
Thursday, Dec. 20 – Spread kindness and Christmas joy as you celebrate with your classmates today.
Week 4 – Love
Light the last purple candle for Love.
The light reminds us of God’s love on our journey to Bethlehem.
While you are enjoying your holiday break, try to show love to your families by helping without being asked, giving your family members a hug and doing good deeds for them. Finish coloring the decorations on your tree to make it complete. Maybe you could bake a cake in honor of Jesus’ birthday or draw a Nativity at the bottom of the tree to remind you of the true meaning of Christmas. Oh! And don’t forget to sing Happy Birthday to Jesus on Christmas morning.
