Advent Activity Calendar
December is upon us. I love this season for all that it has to offer. From fond childhood memories of tasty treats by the fire after a day playing in the snow, to the acts of kindness and service that flow from people as they are filled with the spirit of Christmas. Most importantly a time to connect with loved ones and remember the most significant gifts we’ve been given; life and love.
In order to fully embrace the season, I’ve put together an advent calendar full of activities and insight that I hope will make this year all that more special. If you’re so inclined, check back each day for a new task or activity and make the most out of this Christmas Season.
December 1st - Set The Tone Right:
Today's activity is simple, and yet, the most likely to be neglected. Take some time today to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. By this, I'm not referring to the obligation to brave the crowds at the mall in search of the 'perfect' gift that will likely be forgotten in a month. Rather than think of all of the things that you want (or want to buy for others) this year, think of all of the things that you've already got that you're thankful for. Maybe make a list of these things. Set the tone today to keep the right focus and mindset for the next month and try not to get so wrapped up in the materialism and consumerism that you miss the joy and blessing of Christmas.
Here's a video that I like to watch at the beginning of the season to keep my mind in the right place: Advent Conspiracy
Read or watch the nativity story (Matthew 1:18 to Matthew 2:12 & Luke 1:26 to Luke 2:20).
December 2nd - Write Christmas Cards:
Here is your chance to send a personal note to all of your friends and family. Let them know that you appreciate their friendship and why they’re special to you. If you’re so inclined, follow up with a phone call to catch up.
December 3rd - Write a Letter to Santa
You may think you’re too old to do this but I beg to differ. This is a great activity to do with children (if you have them) or on your own. I’m not suggesting you write a letter asking Santa for the coveted Red Ryder Carbine-Action Two-Hundred-Shot Range Model Air Rifle. Rather, ask Santa for something a little more thoughtful, meaningful and intangible.
Mail Santa here:
Santa Claus
NORTH POLE
H0H 0H0
If you include a return address, Santa will reply to you!
Canada Post
December 4th - Christmas Tunes
If you haven’t done so already, dig out your favourite Christmas CDs & MP3s. If you’re up for it, you can make your own Christmas compilation CD and share copies with friends.
Top Christmas Tunes
December 5th - Christmas Tree
Whether this means digging through your storage room, trekking into the wilderness with a saw, or stopping by our office Christmas Tree Party, today is a great day to get your tree set up and decorated.
December 6h - Random Act of Service
Today is the day to perform an unbridled act of selfless service. This can be anything from shoveling your neighbours driveway (if there is snow), or putting up lights and decorations for an elderly neighbour, to visiting a nursing home, serving at a food bank or soup kitchen, or handing out warm clothes to the homeless. Let someone else know that they are cared for today, and you’ll be surprised how much you in turn benefit from the act.
December 7th - Arts and Crafts Day
Head to your local craft store or see what you can find around the house. Whip up some festive tree ornaments, garland, or a Christmas Wreath. Decorate your own home or give your artistic creations away as gifts.
December 8th - Christmas Portrait
Grab a friend, family member or pet, dig out your best sweater vest or reindeer ears and take a Christmas photo. It’ll be Facebook profile pic worthy I’m sure. That or use it as your holiday Twitter avatar.
December 9th - Christmas Caroling
If you’re incredibly talented you can do this with a few song sheets and your voice. The rest of us will need a small boom-box with some mixed CDs (See December 4th). You can tour your own neighbourhood or bring your crew on the road. You would also be warmly received at most seniors care facilities (with prior notice of your visit).
December 10th - Christmas Lights Tour
Check your local paper for neighbourhoods with impressive Christmas Light displays. You may even find some that allow you to wander around the grounds. Many parks and Zoos also have Christmas Light Tours.
Christmas in Williams Park
Christmas Lights In Vancouver
December 11th - Ice Skating
If you can find a place to do this outdoors you get bonus points. Otherwise, find out when your local ice area has open public skating, grab some hot chocolate and elbow pads and glide to your hearts content.
Sportsplex
George Preston Recreation Centre
December 12th - Visit Santa
If you can manage to do this without entering a shopping mall, do so. Otherwise, this is where you’ll find the old man dressed in red. If you have a 4 legged friend, take him or her to participating pet stores to have a picture with jolly ol’ Saint Nicholas
December 13th - Snow Day
Embrace your inner child and brave the cold for some winter fun. Have a snowball fight, build a snow man, make some snow angels - just no face washing. If there is no snow in your area, take a trek up to a local ski hill for some tobogganing or snowshoeing.
December 14th - Act of Generosity
Research a charity that you would like to support or visit your local food bank or toy bureau and and make a contribution to those less fortunate. If you know of a friend or family member who has hit hard times, consider finding away to slip them some cash anonymously.
December 15th - Christmas Movie Night
This is one of my favourites and will likely be spread over many additional nights. Here’s a list of the Top 25 Christmas Movies
December 16th - Bright Nights in Stanley Park
The Vancouver Park Board and British Columbia Professional Fire Fighters' Burn Fund invite everyone to nights of magic and illumination for the 13th annual Bright Nights in Stanley Park.
Get in the spirit of the Holidays - take a train ride through our forest transformed with two million twinkling lights, see the animated displays and listen to holiday sounds as you enjoy hot chocolate, fresh popcorn and roasted chestnuts.
Bright Nights in Stanley Park
December 17th - Christmas Performance
Every playhouse, school, and church in town will be hosting a myriad of Christmas plays and performance. Be sure to check out at least one this year.
Vancouver Plays
December 18th - Games Night
Have a group of friends over to play board or video games. If you want to take a more festive approach, arrange a token gift exchange game.
December 19th - Grouse Mountain Christmas
Sleigh bells ring, choirs sing! During the month of December, the spirit of Christmas comes alive with a magical celebration and a multitude of festivities on top of Grouse Mountain.
Bring your family to Santa's Workshop and meet reindeer, or take a sleigh ride* through our mystical alpine forest. You can also experience the tranquil beauty of skating on our 8,000 square foot mountaintop Ice Skating Pond, surrounded by snow-topped trees.
Learn more about Santa's reindeer at our daily ranger interpretive talks or have a digital photo taken with Santa to keep a memento of your Peak of Christmas visit!
Visit the Theatre in the Sky to enjoy classic Christmas movies on our large high-definition screen. Or listen to joyful Christmas carols sung by the enchanting voices of Vancouver choirs.
The Peak Of Christmas
December 20th - Fort Langley Christmas
Take a stroll through historic for Langley check out Festivities at the Fort:
December 18, 2010 – January 2, 2011
10am – 5pm daily (closed Dec 25, 26 & Jan 1)
Gather with friends and family at the Fort – all decked out holiday garb. Savour hot apple cider, make a Christmas craft and take a lantern tour (11am, 1pm, 2:30pm and 4pm). Don't forget to bring a donation for the food bank so you can vote in the Christmas Tree contest! Regular admission for the general public. Free admission for annual pass holders.
December 21st - Baking Night
Dig out the recipes for your famous Christmas Treats and make a mess of your kitchen. Your goodies will be ready just in time the share with loved ones on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
December 22nd - Connect with a friend
Think of that person who you haven’t spoken with in a while but with whom the conversation resumes right where it last left off. Give them a call and take them for a coffee; anything with eggnog is highly recommended.
December 23rd - Donate Blood
For some people this holiday season, the best give you can give will be the gift of life. Find a clinic near you at Canadian Blood Services.
December 24th - Christmas Eve Service
If you don’t have a home Church, check your local papers for participating Churches in your neighbourhood.