How to Start an Advent Tradition With Your Kids This Christmas
December can fill up fast with shopping, parties and school programs. An Advent tradition gives your family a few quiet minutes each day to remember why we celebrate. It doesn't need to be complicated, and kids often end up loving it most.
"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:11, KJV)
What Is Advent?
Advent means "coming" or "arrival." It's the season of waiting and preparing for Christmas, when Christians remember the long wait for the promised Savior and celebrate His birth. Many families count down from December 1 to Christmas Eve, using a calendar, candles or daily readings.
5 Simple Steps to Start an Advent Tradition
Pick a time you can keep. Breakfast, after dinner or bedtime all work. Consistency matters more than length; 10 minutes is plenty.
Choose one Scripture each day. Walk through the Christmas story in Luke 1–2 and Matthew 1–2, a few verses at a time.
Add something hands-on. Young kids remember what they do: coloring, a small craft, moving a star closer to the manger, or adding an ornament to the tree.
Talk and pray together. Ask one simple question, like "How do you think Mary felt?", then pray for someone by name.
Give grace on busy nights. If you miss a day, just double up. The goal is connection, not perfection.
An Easy Way to Do It: The Bethlehem Journey 2026
We created The Bethlehem Journey 2026 so families don't have to plan Advent from scratch. It's a 24-day Christmas journal for kids that starts December 1 and ends on Christmas Eve. Each day pairs Scripture with a short activity, so children discover, believe, follow and share the story of Jesus one small step at a time.
Make it extra special with a companion and a keepsake:
Bethlehem Journey Lamb – an 8-inch plush lamb kids can cuddle while you read each night.
Bethlehem Star 2026 Ornament – a keepsake to hang on the tree when the journey is complete. It's also available personalized with your child's name.
Bundle pricing applies automatically when you buy the book with the lamb or an ornament, through December 14.
Tips by Age
Ages 3–5: Keep it to one or two verses and a picture to color. Let them hold the lamb or place the star.
Ages 6–9: Let them read a verse aloud and do the activity on their own, then tell you what they learned.
Ages 10 and up: Invite them to lead the family time once a week or write a prayer for the next day.
Order in Time for December 1
Each Bethlehem Journey is made to order and ships free in the U.S. Order by November 14 so it arrives before your family starts on December 1. Looking for more ideas? Read our Christian Christmas Gift Guide or browse the Christmas Gifts collection.
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