Ready to countdown to Christmas?
I’ve got you covered!
It’s Christmas in a Box…well 25 boxes to be exact. An advent calendar and Christmas family devotion all in one. And you can download your copy of the devotional materials here for free today to get you right into the Christmas spirit.
Last Spring, I began thinking ahead to Christmas knowing my oldest daughter would be old enough to really start enjoying the season and remembering/developing traditions and memories. Thus, I began to think about ways in which we could make the season special and meaningful while keeping the focus pointed upward. The result–I came up with the Christmas in a Box Advent calendar for us to use this December.
This advent calendar is more than just a mark on a wall; it can impact eternity.Click To TweetThe Beginning of Christmas in 25 Boxes
To begin, I did a lot of research on symbols of the Christmas season. Many people use advent calendars to help their children count down to Christmas. They use candy or paper chains or some other means to help their child count down the days. In creating this advent calendar I wanted to create something more than just a mark on a wall; I wanted it to have an impact for eternity.
The result? 25 short devotional notes that could be paired with a Christian symbol in an advent box.
Each note includes a Bible verse (quoted from the Holman Christian Standard Bible), devotion, activity, suggested Christmas song and prayer. There’s even an occasional web link for those that would like to dig deeper into the meaning of some of the Christmas symbols.
Putting It All Together
Next, I went to Hobby Lobby and bought 2 packages of colored gift box sets. There were twelve colored boxes of graduated sizes in each set. I got one square set and one round set for variety. With two 50% off coupons, I was able to get them all for around $10 total. I then bought one rather nice tin for Christmas day so it would be “extra special.”
When I got home, I searched through the house to find ornaments and other objects that would both represent the devotional note and fit in the boxes purchased. We recently received the Fisher Price Little People Nativity Set as a gift so the figurines definitely came in handy when filling the advent boxes, but you can use whatever you might have around the house. Don’t think you have to spend a lot of money on this to make it effective.
I then placed one item with each devotional note inside a box and labeled the outside with the day’s date.
The Plan
Each morning Peanut will go under the tree, find the day’s box, and then, as a family, we will read the content included and follow its instructions.
A Little Background Behind the Devotions
Knowing that you may also have been searching for something special to share with your family this year, I am providing my devotional notes free. Feel free to download them below.
Keep in mind they are from a Christian perspective. They do reveal that Santa Claus is not real and a few other “shockers” that some may not want to share with their family at this time. Yet, I believe it is done in good taste and leaves plenty of room for a child’s imagination.
As you will see when you read them, my goal has been to create a means to develop a stronger sense of the true meaning of Christmas which really isn’t about the presents at all. It’s about the greatest gift of all–Jesus!
By the way, if you do decide to use this advent calendar this year, let me know how it goes. I’d love to hear your stories and/or see your pics. Merry Christmas!
How to Make Your Own Christmas in 25 Boxes
Materials Needed:
- 25 different colored and shaped boxes or brown paper lunch sacks
- An ornament, nativity scene character or object to match each day’s topic
- A printout of the day’s devotional for each box (download below)
Instructions:
Place the appropriate ornament/object with the day’s devotional in a box. On the outside of the box, write the number for the day. Decorate the outside of box as desired. Each day, open the corresponding box for the day of the month, follow the instructions, and enjoy a month of family-focused events.
Note: There are a few days in which some additional items may be needed such as apple cider on day 5 or ingredients to make a birthday cake on day 24, but most of the items suggested you probably have around your house already. Yet, you may want to read through the devotions to double-check before stuffing them in your advent boxes so you are for sure prepared.
Click Here to Download Your FREE Christmas Devotionals
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