At Advent we celebrate God’s love in the coming of the Christ. The word “Advent” comes from the Latin word ‘adventus’, which means “coming or arrival”. This is not only a historical event, something that happened two thousand years ago, but an ongoing reality. The Christ is always coming into the world, and the anticipation of waiting in Advent can help us to focus our prayer on what is being born within each us in this season.
In weeks approaching Christmas we can become so fully absorbed in the preparations for the celebration, we can easily skip past the deeper meaning of waiting and anticipating. Here are some “out of the box” ideas for enriching your Advent traditions this year at home.
Prayer, Reflection & Contemplation
- “Advent Night of Silence” – One evening each week, turn off lights and devices, light the Advent wreath, and play contemplative music. Sit in silent prayer or simply be still together for 15 minutes. End by sharing one word or image that came to mind during this time of reflection.
- Lectio Divina + Wine Night – Read and reflect on the upcoming Sunday Gospel together over wine and appetizers, or other beverages/snacks. Let everyone share what line “came forward or stayed with” them during the reading.
- Jesse Tree for Grownups – Instead of crafting, assign each person a day to research the symbols of the Scripture story, and lead a short reflection or discussion on what was discovered and learned.
- Spiritual Playlist Exchange – Each family member makes an “Advent playlist” (music that feels like waiting, longing, or hope) and shares why they chose each song.
- Advent Examen Walk – Take a quiet evening walk and pray the Ignatian Examen: “Where did I notice God today?” Slowly move through your day reflecting on what happened. Stay where something stands out for you. How was God with you? Offer gratitude and thanks to God for all that is good. Ask God’s forgiveness and healing where you need it. Look to the next day with a closing prayer, and ask for the grace to recognize God’s presence.
Creative Prayer & Moments of Quiet
- Digital Detox Sunday – Choose one Sunday in Advent for a family tech-fast focused on silence, games, and prayer.
- Advent Journal Night – Once a week, everyone writes or draws about where they’ve seen hope, peace, joy, or love that week.
- Advent Candlelight “Mini-Vespers” – One night a week, light the Advent wreath, turn off lights, and say evening prayers together as a family.
- Family Blessing Tree – Hang paper ornaments with prayers or blessings written by each family member for one another.
Acts of Kindness & Mercy
- “Secret Saint” Exchange – Each family member draws a name secretly and does kind or prayerful acts for that person during Advent.
- Pray for the World Map – Hang a world map and pray for a different country each night. Mark it with a star or sticker.
- Family Mercy Pilgrimage – Find a soup kitchen near you, and volunteer as a family to serve the homeless dinner one evening during Advent.
- Advent Gratitude Jar – Instead of wish lists for gifts, use the weeks of Advent to fill a jar with daily notes of gratitude, and read them together on Christmas morning.
- “Reverse Advent Calendar” for Charity – Instead of taking something out each day, add a canned good or small item for donation. Deliver the box before Christmas.
