The Children’s Advent Chain: A Countdown to Kindness

Years ago, as the Christmas season approached, I wanted my kids to experience more than the excitement of presents, lights, and cookies. I wanted them to see people, to think about others, to serve with joy, and to remember that Christmas is about giving, not getting.

That desire turned into one of my favorite family traditions, our Family Advent Chain.

It started simply, with construction paper, scissors, and markers. The kids and I sat at the table and made 24 colorful paper links, each with an act of kindness or gratitude written on it. Every day in December, they would remove one chain link and complete that day’s challenge. Some were small and simple. Others took a bit more planning. All of them shifted our focus from what we wanted to what we could give.

As the paper chain grew shorter, our hearts grew fuller.

Here is what was written on our Advent Chain:

• Tell three people why you are thankful for them.
• Share a favorite Bible verse.
• Hug your mom and/or dad.
• Pray for your church or school staff and their families.
• Do your chores without being asked.
• Send family Christmas cards through the mail.
• Deliver candy canes to a special needs home.
• Donate toys or clothes to a local shelter.
• Make a new friend at school.
• Play a game with your brothers or sisters.
• Donate food or money to a special cause.
• Help prepare and clean up dinner.
• Write your teacher a thank you note.
• Call a grandparent to say you love them.
• Pick up trash on the side of the road.
• Leave a Christmas card or small gift for the mail carrier.
• Have a family movie or game night.
• Bake and deliver Christmas cookies.
• Organize drawers and closets.
• Smile at everyone you see.
• Deliver treats to your gymnastics, dance, or activity teachers.
• Tell a Christmas joke to make someone laugh.
• Help prepare food for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
• Look your Christmas best for church and pictures.
• Read the Christmas story from a children’s Bible.

As my kids have gotten older, we have added new ideas that speak to their growing sense of independence and responsibility. For teens and older children, the Advent Chain can include things like:

• Pay for someone’s coffee or meal.
• Volunteer at a food pantry or community event.
• Write a note of encouragement to a younger student or sibling.
• Spend time helping an elderly neighbor with errands or yardwork.
• Offer to babysit for a family so parents can attend a Christmas service.
• Donate part of your allowance or paycheck to a charity you care about.
• Take time to pray for friends who may be struggling during the holidays.
• Share your favorite worship song or verse with someone who needs hope.
• Write a letter to a deployed soldier or first responder.

These small acts remind older kids that generosity looks different as they grow, but the heart behind it stays the same.

What I love most about this tradition is that it helps my kids connect kindness to celebration. It reminds them that love, gratitude, and service are the heart of Christmas, not just for one day but for an entire season.

Each act may seem small, but together they create something beautiful. Children begin to notice the people who serve quietly, give generously, and love faithfully. They start to see Christmas as something they can live, not just watch.

Our chain does not always go perfectly. Some days are busier than others, and sometimes we double up the next day. But that is not the point. The point is connection, to one another, to our community, and to the One who gave the greatest gift of all.

If you are looking for a way to bring meaning back into your family’s Christmas countdown, try creating your own Advent Chain. Customize it for your children’s ages, your family’s traditions, and your schedule. You might be surprised by how quickly it becomes everyone’s favorite part of December.

After all, the best gifts we can give are not wrapped under a tree but shared in moments of love, gratitude, and kindness.

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. — 1 Peter 4:10