Last year, for Addie’s Advent Calendar, I wrapped small gifts and attached numbers so each day, she opened the gift with the number that corresponded with the date.
I had several ideas in my head about advent gifts this year and was googling a bit and found this Kindness Advent Calendar. There’s also a blank one where you can fill in your own “acts”.
I decided I’ll do the same thing will little trinket type gifts but she has to do whatever is suggested on that day in order to get the gift. I’m about 90% certain we’ll have a place there by December 1 and if we do, I hope to spend the entire month of December there and stay til after school starts in January so I’ll be there to do most of these things. I called Nicole to make sure IF we don’t get a place there, she’ll help Addie with the things she needs help with.
I’ll probably do the “type in your own” version and make anything that involves baking or going somewhere so they can do that on weekend.
It’s a great idea to teach our children and grandchildren, not only with words but with actions also, to be kind.
Sue Edberg says
I love what you are planning on doing with this Advent calendar and with Addie. Every child needs to learn to do “Random Acts of Kindness”. I think that Addie will learn a great deal from this, especially the fact that she will not get a gift until she does something good. Too many people today believe they are “entitled”. This is a great way to teach that you need to work for what you want. I can’t wait to hear how this works out.
Nelle Coursey says
Wonderful idea. It also gives them the feeling of doing something for someone else and seeing how much that helps others. Even a small thing.
Donna in KS says
Thank you for this link, Judy. Wonderful suggestions and a helpful printable!
dezertsuz says
My church has a calendar like this every year, and it is a wonderful habit to build this kind of thoughtfulness into a child’s life, December and every week of the year.
Judy H says
Great idea! I’ll save this for when my granddaughter is old enough to participate.