Family Advent Activity Calendar

We welcome you to participate in Advent activities with your family.

Advent candles sitting in a star with greenery


Suggestions for daily Advent activities can be found in the calendar below.

This Advent calendar has been adapted from Loyola Press.

December 1 – First Sunday of Advent

 I will spend a few extra minutes in prayer today.

black and white photograph of hands in prayer

December 2

 I will do my work well today and with joy for God.

photo of students at their desks studying
December 3

 I will listen to my family, educators and others in charge of me

a photo of a family walking outside on a path
December 4

I will be kind in a special way to someone I do not know very well yet.

 

three young girls with their arms around each other
 December 5

I will work hard today and do my best. 

two students writing in their books
 December 6

 I will keep calm and not lose my temper when I am pushed or treated rudely.

photo of a young boy outside looking a little sad
 December 7

I will try to show love and kindness for someone who seems unhappy or lonely.

photo of a girl on a swing 
 December 8 – Second Sunday of Advent

 I will secretly do a kind act for someone.

 Children hands on top of each other
 December 9  – Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

I will honour Mary in a very special way today by being cheerful.  

a painting of the Virgin Mary

 
 December 10

I will donate like-new toys and books I've outgrown to needy families.

Brown teddy bear sitting on grass outside, waving

 

December 11

I will be a peacemaker today in school and at home.

a picture of a plant in some soil in someones hands

 

 

 December 12

I will eat more of what is good for me today and less of what is not.

a photo of an array of fruits and vegetables

 

 
 December 13 

I will do some work for my family to help them rest after a day of work.

 

a young girl standing in front of a window looking through outfits

 

 
December 14 

I will be satisfied with the things I have instead of asking my family for more.

Father handing a basketball to son

 
December 15 - Third Sunday of Advent

I will try to be patient today.

illustration of Jesus praying

 
 December 16

I will ask Mary to help me make room for Jesus in my heart.

a painting of our Lady of Guadalupe
 December 17

I will find a quiet place and sit for a few minutes, just letting God love me. 

young boy blowing the seeds off a dandelion
 December 18 

I will try to be more thoughtful of others. 

young child laying on a bed reading the bible
 December 19

 I will make a special effort to be kind to those I find it hard to like.

young children outside playing
 December 20

 I will speak kindly to all I meet today.

young girl smiling
 December 21

 I will be helpful at home these last days before Jesus' birthday.

a mother helping her young daughter cut vegetables
 December 22 - Fourth Sunday of Advent

 I will not complain today, even if I must do things I do not want to do.

a young child washing a fork in the sink
 December 23

 I will thank God for all he gives to me.

a young girl praying
 December 24 

I welcome Jesus with great love and offer him all the good acts I have performed and the prayers I have said during Advent.

a young boy holding a bible praying

 
 December 25 - Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord

Christ is Born! Merry Christmas to all of our Durham Catholic Families! May the wonders of Christ's love be with you now and always.

Mary, baby Jesus, and Joseph figures by three candles