There is a special magic in the air during the beautiful season of Advent, when the days get shorter and the lights start to shine everywhere. This time of waiting for Christmas invites us to reflect on charity and generosity. It is the perfect opportunity to share and do something good - not only for ourselves, but also for others.
Living Charity in Advent
Imagine how much joy we can spread when we think of others.
Let's hear a little story: Lilly is a thoughtful girl who lives in a quiet neighborhood. One day she noticed that her neighbor, Mr. Miller, often sat alone in the garden and seemed sad. Lilly thought about how she could make him happy. She decided to make a small package with a treat or a handwritten card and bring it to him. The shining eyes of Mr. Miller when he discovered Lilly's loving gestures filled his heart with new joy. This is how Lilly learned that even small acts of kindness can have a big impact on other people's lives.
That's the spirit of Advent! We can do it ourselves too. Let's plan creative and loving activities to put charity into action. Here are some creative Advent activities that you can do together with children:
- Making an Advent calendar: Create an individual Advent calendar together out of paper cups, bags or small boxes. Fill each day with little surprises, sweets or notes with great activities.
- Homemade gifts: Make small gifts for friends or neighbors together. These could be homemade candles, hand-made Christmas cards or painted mugs.
- Baking and decorating cookies: Spend an afternoon baking cookies. Let the kids decorate the cookies to their heart's content with sprinkles, chocolate and icing.
- Making an Advent wreath: Make your own Advent wreath out of natural materials such as fir branches, twigs and decorations. You can light the candles together on Advent Sundays.
- Create creative Christmas cards: Make cards out of different materials like colored paper, glitter and stamps. Send them to friends and family or distribute them in the neighborhood.
- Sing happy songs: Organize a little “Christmas carol session” in the living room. Sing your favorite songs and dance to them – maybe even put on a little performance for the family.
- Light Walk: Take an evening stroll and admire the Christmas-decorated houses and lights. Maybe you can also take home little surprises or treats for neighbors!
- Making Christmas ornaments: Make some beautiful Christmas ornaments for the tree together. Use materials like felt, paper, paint or even natural materials like pine cones.
- Budget-friendly winter picnic: Organize a winter picnic in the living room or garden. Set the table with lights and treats and enjoy the time together!
- Sustainable Christmas: Plan an afternoon where you can recycle or upcycle old materials or gifts. This will train your sense of sustainability and creativity.
- Advent storytelling hours: Read Advent stories together or watch Christmas films. Let the children tell their favorite stories and exchange ideas about what charity means.
Designing Advent windows: Make or paint a beautiful picture and hang it in the window where it is visible. A small message that spreads positive thoughts and friendship can remind many that we should be there for each other during this time. When neighbors walk by and see your artwork, they will surely smile and feel cheered up.
With these activities, the Advent season will not only be creative, but also full of shared experiences and beautiful memories!
Advent is about opening hearts and giving joy. It is the time when we can come together and help one another.
Each of us has the power to make someone else's life a little bit more beautiful, and that is what charity really means. Let us use Advent to live these values and also let the light of generosity shine in our community. Together we can make the world a little bit brighter - and that is the most beautiful gift of all!