The word “Advent” derives from its Latin root meaning “the coming.” This references the coming of Jesus, the greatest gift to mankind. A tradition that evolved from this anticipation is the Advent calendar. Each day of the Advent season leading up to Christmas Eve is marked on these special calendars with scripture, poems, small gifts, etc. There are so many versions available today; beauty products, ornaments, and even Legos. With each new piece, Christmas day draws nearer.

If you are looking to make your Advent season a little more active, use acts of kindness instead. Print out a blank December calendar. Make sure the squares are big enough to print/write acts of kindness to be performed. Hang it on the fridge or by the door so that you (or better yet, your entire family) can see the act of the day. Then, each evening, come together and share how you each performed the day’s act.

Ideas include:

• Pay for a stranger’s coffee
• Write a letter to a soldier
• Do yard work for a neighbor
• Donate to charity (toys, clothes, etc.)
• Bake cookies for the local first responders
• Do someone else’s chore
• Take flowers to a hospital for the nurses working during the holidays

Share your Kindness Countdown Calendar with us on Facebook and Twitter!