Enriching an Advent Calendar for the season

Nov 23, 2021 by

Diane Kern

You know those Advent Calendars found at retail and grocery stores?

While few would argue against receiving a daily morsel of chocolate inside the Advent Calendars that fill the aisles of local stores, it’s hard to understand how a luscious little treat (especially on a Friday) really fits into the true goodness of the season.

Advent Calendars are most known to have made their appearance at the beginning of the 20th century. They are intended as an exciting countdown to Christmas Day, offering tiny treasures to look forward to as the holiday nears.

Liturgical seasons that are considered penitential, like Lent and Advent, call Catholics to prepare for the great solemnity that will be celebrated. It is a time to remember the promise of Jesus' second coming, and lessen the influences of the world so our minds and hearts are more focused on God. The Church encourages us to increase prayer, seek the Sacrament of Penance, show love to others, give to those in need, and to go without certain pleasures.

To enrich the Advent Calendar experience so it promotes the very essence of the season's preparation, Catholics sometimes add notes of daily inspiration or activities. These tiny pieces of paper can be included with the treats behind each door, in place of the treats ... or maybe just in place of the treats on Fridays only. ;)

These notes can include suggestions for:

• adding prayer to one’s day

• meditating on a passage from Scripture

• doing an act of kindness for another

• signing up to volunteer at a parish

• avoiding something like social media for a day or longer

You can always write your own little notes, for you or your family, or look below for the printable calendar eCatholic created. Even organizations, like the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, have some unique Advent resources for activites this season.

What do you think? Want to change things up and let your Advent Calendar take you where a tiny little chocolate just can’t? Try it out, share the idea with your parish or school, or feel free to comment with other Advent traditions your parish, school, or family might do.

Download eCatholic's Advent Calendar

Fill out the short form below and we'll be happy to share this year's Advent Calendar with you!