Homemade Advent Calendars and wreaths

Here are a few ideas to get your creativity going. Remember we are Simply Celebrating: keep it manageable!

Two ideas for wreaths even very young children can enjoy!

Another great site provides templates to build your own Advent calendar.

Digital Advent Calendar

Once again, the McGrath Institute for Church Life is partnering with the Marian Library of Dayton, Ohio, to bring you a digital Advent and Christmas Crèche Calendar. When you sign up, you will receive a daily email from the first Sunday of Advent (or whenever you sign up) through January 8, 2024. Each email will include an image and description of a beautiful crèche, or Nativity set, from around the world, along with a brief prayer that you can offer for yourself and your loved ones. Sign up here.

The Giving Manger

Here’s an activity suitable for every member of the household. A book and kit by the same title is available, but you can read about a DIY version at www.loveandmessiness.com. Just search for “The Giving Manger” on the site. Or click here.

Prayers for young families

Enjoy these two versions of the Five-Finger Prayer often promoted by Pope Francis. Also included: A template to help you write your own family prayer for Christmas.

The Jesse Tree

There are many sites that offer ideas on how to create a Jesse Tree, but we like the one created by the Diocese of Erie! Find printable ornaments to download as well as a list of pertinent Scripture readings and brief reflections to enjoy during each day of Advent. Click here.

Spread the Love

Faith magazine created beautiful holiday letter templates that can be printed, personalized and mailed to anyone you choose. There is also a list of addresses for social service residential agencies in the Diocese of Erie, including nursing homes, homeless shelters, and women or youth centers. They’d love to have a note of holiday cheer from you!