Advent Week 3
Week of Joy
In this third week of Advent, let’s allow our souls to rejoice in the gift of joy that comes from giving our lives to the Lord.
Day 15:
Donate to a local charity
December 17, 2023
‘Tis the season for giving, especially to those who are less fortunate than us. Donate toys or clothes to a local charity. When we give, we spread love and joy in the best way.
Action
Donate toys or clothes to a local charity in your area. You can also donate to The Tablet’s Bright Christmas Campaign, giving to children and families in need. thetablet.org/brightchristmas
Day 16:
Create a holiday playlist and dance
December 18, 2023
Music soothes the soul. Dance is a form of expressing that soul. Why not dance to the music and let your soul float?
Action
Create a holiday playlist of your favorite Christmas tunes. You don’t have to go far to grab someone you love and dance together. Here is a playlist to get you started: "All I Want for Christmas Is You", Mariah Carey . "Last Christmas", Wham! . "The Christmas Song", Nat King Cole . "Blue Christmas", Elvis Presley . "White Christmas", Bing Crosby . "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree", Brenda Lee . "Jingle Bell Rock", Bobby Helms
Day 17:
Visit a local Christmas Exhibit
December 19, 2023
In Christmas tradition, the nativity scene is a special exhibition representing the birth of Jesus. It features Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, Blessed Mother Mary, and Jesus, the Son of God. Included also are shepherds, sheep, common farm animals, and the three kings as described in the Gospel of Luke. Imitations of the nativity scene are found in art, movies, and plays.
Action
Visit a local Nativity scene or Christmas exhibit. Relive the night of Jesus’ birth and imagine what it would be like to take part in this special event.
Day 18:
Have a family game night
December 20, 2023
The perfect activity to do together as a family is play a game. Who doesn’t love a little competition? Playing a game, whether it be solving a puzzle or answering questions allows us to merge our minds and work together in a creative way.
Action
Pick your favorite board game from your collection, or choose one that you haven’t played in a while. It might be a game that your children or parents have never played before. If you don’t have a board game or deck of cards available, a simple 20 questions or charades would be just as fun!
Day 19:
Build a gingerbread house
December 21, 2023
Get festive with your family by building a gingerbread house together. It is a great activity the children will surely love.
Action
Gather all the sweet treats for the gingerbread house including icing, gum drops, and candy canes. If you're a baker, make a real one from scratch, otherwise try the graham cracker kind. https://youtu.be/gt7cBo9VdhQ?feature=shared
Day 20:
Create a DIY Project
December 22, 2023
Get in touch with your artistic side today. Be creative and work on a project that illustrates your imagination.
Action
Draw a picture of one of the scenes from the nativity. You may want to narrate your pictures or act them out with your family and friends. Here is a script you can use as a guide. https://stpaulswc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/2020-06-10-Nativity-Script.pdf
Day 21:
Make a special holiday meal
December 23, 2023
Food is the ultimate love language. Preparing food together or for someone is truly special.
Action
Make a special holiday breakfast or brunch for your friends, family, or co-workers. Take the time to curate a unique menu of delicious eats that anyone would enjoy. Accompany the meal with great conversation.