A Simple, Slow, and Intentional Advent Calendar for Families with Teenagers

 The Joy of a Meaningful Christmas Countdown

In the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it’s easy to get caught up in the rush to check everything off our to-do lists. But this year, we’ve decided to do things a little differently by creating a simple, slow, and intentional advent calendar of activities that allows our family to savor the season together, without the stress. 

Starting on November 24th, my daughter’s birthday, and continuing all the way to Christmas Day, we’ll be doing one small, meaningful activity each day to celebrate the magic of the season. These activities are designed to help us slow down, connect with one another, and embrace the simple joys of the holidays. And the best part? You can easily adapt this advent calendar for your own family, whether you have teenagers like we do, younger children, or a mix of both.

Here’s what our simple, intentional advent calendar looks like—and I hope it inspires you to create your own meaningful traditions this Christmas.

 Daily Advent Calendar of Intentional Activities (24th November to 25th December)

 November 24th: Put up the Christmas Tree

Kick off the advent calendar by decorating the Christmas tree together. Play your favourite Christmas songs, have some snacks, and take your time reminiscing over past Christmases as you hang up ornaments. Make it special by allowing everyone to contribute their ideas to how the tree should look.

 November 25th: Create a Hot Chocolate Bar

Set up a hot chocolate bar in the kitchen with all the fixings—marshmallows, whipped cream, candy canes, and festive mugs. This cozy activity will give everyone something to look forward to throughout the season, and it’s perfect for unwinding together in the evenings.

 November 26th: Write Letters to Santa (or Letters of Gratitude)

Even if your kids have outgrown Santa, this is a great time to write gratitude letters. Reflect on the past year, share what you’re thankful for, and consider writing to someone who has had a positive impact on your life.

 November 27th: Christmas Movie Night

Choose a classic Christmas movie (or let each family member take turns picking) and cuddle up for a cozy evening. Pop some popcorn, make your hot chocolate, and fully enjoy this simple family tradition.

 November 28th: Bake Christmas Cookies Together

A classic, yet so meaningful. Spend time baking and decorating cookies as a family. You can keep it low-stress by using simple recipes or even store-bought dough, focusing more on the fun of decorating together.

 November 29th: Take a Christmas Lights Drive

Pile into the car with warm blankets, hot cocoa in thermoses, and some Christmas music playing as you drive around to look at the neighborhood lights. This has become a beloved tradition for us, allowing us to appreciate the beauty of the season.

 November 30th: Create DIY Christmas Decorations

Get crafty with DIY decorations like homemade garlands, salt dough ornaments, or paper snowflakes. This is a fun way to slow down and work together on something creative.

 December 1st: Start a Christmas Playlist

Create a shared Christmas playlist as a family, adding your favorite festive tunes. Make it a tradition to play this playlist in the mornings or while preparing dinner to add some cheer to your daily routines.

 December 2nd: Make a Gingerbread House

Building gingerbread houses is one of our favourite holiday activities, especially on the day the kids start their Christmas break. It’s not about perfection—it’s about enjoying the process, laughing together, and making a delicious mess.

 December 3rd: Wander Around Town to See the Christmas Decorations

Take a leisurely stroll around your local town as the sun sets to admire the Christmas lights and decorations. This simple, screen-free activity helps everyone appreciate the season’s beauty.

 December 4th: Plan a Family Christmas Craft Night

Choose a simple Christmas craft, like making ornaments or personalized gift tags. This is a low-demand way to spend time together, and you’ll have something handmade to use or gift afterward.

 December 5th: Go for a Christmassy Lunch or Coffee Outing

Head to a cosy café or restaurant for a festive lunch or coffee together. It’s a chance to escape the holiday rush and savour each other’s company in a relaxed setting.

 December 6th: Christmas Storytime

Take turns reading Christmas stories or poems aloud as a family. This can be a tradition that grows as you discover new stories each year. 

 December 7th: Make a Homemade Advent Wreath or Garland

Get creative with a homemade advent wreath or garland using natural materials like pinecones, holly, or cinnamon sticks. It’s a calming activity that connects you with the season’s natural beauty.

 December 8th: Donate to a Local Charity

Find a cause that resonates with your family, whether it’s donating to a food bank, charity, or creating care packages for those in need. This tradition fosters a sense of giving and gratitude.

 December 9th: Create Gift Baskets for Neighbours

In line with the season of giving, put together simple gift baskets or homemade treats for your neighbors. We’ve been making special ones for our Ukrainian refugee neighbors, and it’s become a heartwarming tradition of reaching out.

 December 10th: Family Game Night

Choose your favourite board games or card games and spend an evening laughing and bonding. Family game night is a simple but meaningful way to relax together.

 December 11th: Write Christmas Cards Together

Take some time to write Christmas cards as a family. Whether they’re for friends, extended family, or neighbors, it’s a thoughtful and intentional way to connect with others during the holiday season.

 December 12th: Do a Christmas Puzzle

Dedicate an evening to working on a Christmas-themed puzzle as a family. This is a low-key, stress-free activity that everyone can contribute to, and it’s perfect for cozy winter evenings.

 December 13th: Host a Cosy Christmas Brunch

Plan and cook a simple Christmas-themed brunch together. Let each family member choose one item to add to the menu, and enjoy the meal as a slower, more intentional way to celebrate the season.

 December 14th: Go Ice Skating or Have a Winter Walk

Head out to a local ice-skating rink, or if that’s not an option, bundle up and go for a walk in the crisp winter air. These activities allow you to slow down and enjoy the seasonal shift together.

 December 15th: Have a Christmas-Themed Craft or Bake-Off

Host a fun craft or bake-off at home, where everyone creates something Christmas-themed. Whether it’s decorating cookies or making crafts, keep the focus on fun, not competition.

 December 16th: Attend a Local Christmas Event

Check out any local Christmas markets, carol concerts, or light displays happening nearby. Supporting local events is a great way to engage with the community during the holidays.

 December 17th: Do a Family Gratitude Reflection

Take some time to reflect on what you’re grateful for as a family this Christmas season. Each person can share something they’re thankful for, which helps foster a deeper connection.

 December 18th: Make Homemade Christmas Gifts

Create simple, homemade gifts for friends or family members. These could be baked goods, homemade candles, or personalized crafts, and it’s a fun way to give without the pressure of shopping.

 December 19th: Have a Christmas Carol Karaoke Night

Put on your favorite Christmas songs and have a family karaoke night. It’s a fun way to let loose and enjoy the music of the season together.

 December 20th: Do a “Random Acts of Kindness” Day

As a family, plan to do random acts of kindness throughout the day. This could be something as simple as leaving a kind note for someone, paying for someone’s coffee, or helping a neighbor with their holiday prep.

 December 21st: Go on a Winter Nature Walk

Head out for a nature walk in a local park or forest. Take time to appreciate the stillness of winter, noticing the sights and sounds of the season.

 December 22nd: Have a Family Christmas Photo Shoot

Set up a fun, at-home Christmas photo shoot with props, Christmas sweaters, and silly poses. It’s a lighthearted way to capture memories of this holiday season.

 December 23rd: Make Personalised Christmas Ornaments

Create homemade ornaments with each family member’s name or initials. This is a great way to personalize your decorations and create keepsakes to use year after year.

 December 24th: Christmas Eve Tradition Night

On Christmas Eve, create your own family traditions, whether that’s having a special meal, exchanging one small gift, or reading “The Night Before Christmas” together before bed.

 December 25th: Christmas Day Celebration

Merry Christmas, everyone! Today is the culmination of our simple, intentional advent journey — a day to just be present, savour the warmth of togetherness, and enjoy every little moment. Whether you’re gathered with family, friends, or taking a peaceful day for yourself, may this Christmas bring you joy, comfort, and a heart full of gratitude. Let’s cherish these precious memories that remind us of what matters most. Wishing you all a beautiful holiday filled with love and laughter!

Thank you so much for joining me on this journey to create a slow, meaningful advent season for families with teens. In a world that often pushes us to rush through the holidays, it’s been heartwarming to focus on savouring the season and making memories that we’ll carry with us. I hope this advent calendar has inspired you to slow down and find joy in the simple traditions that make this time so special. Now, I’d love to hear from you! What new traditions did you start this year, and how has slowing down changed your holiday season? Let’s share ideas in the comments and inspire each other to keep the spirit of intentional living going year-round.

Merry Christmas

Ciara xox