A Note About Our Holiday Hours:
- December 24……………8:30 a.m. — 12:30 p.m.
- December 26………….. 9 a.m. —4 p.m.
- December 28……………10 a.m. — 5:30 p.m.
- December 29……………10 a.m. — 5:30 p.m.
- December 30…………….9 a.m. — 5:30 p.m.
- December 31…………….10 a.m. — 4 p.m.
- January 2…………………..8 a.m. — 4 p.m.
Alternative Advent Calendar Ideas
Advent calendars add a sense of wonder and excitement to the holidays that can’t be beat! Unfortunately, too many of them use sugary treats — like chocolates and candy — to mark the days.
That’s why we’ve rounded up a few of our favourite alternatives to the usual chocolate advent calendars that are sure to get your kids (and let’s be honest here, you) excited for the holidays!
1. Activity Advent Calendar
The activity advent is a brilliant DIY idea where you come up with 24 different fun holiday ideas and assign one to each day of December. Some of them can be big — like going to sit on Santa’s lap — and some can be small — like reading a favourite holiday book. You can include your family’s favourite holiday traditions. With this advent, each day creates a great new holiday memory for you and your family!
For inspiration, check out these great activity advents (from left to right):
2. Toy Advent Calendar
This option is an easy alternative to the familiar chocolate advent that gives your kids a fun surprise to open up each day. It’s also a great option for children with food allergies or sensitivities. There are tons of different ones out there, so find one that suits your child’s interests.
Today’s Parent listed 8 toy advent calendars, including (from left to right):
- Fisher Price Little People
- Play-Doh
- LEGO Star Wars
3. Random Acts of Kindness Advent Calendar
Use the holiday season to give back with this thoughtful advent calendar idea. Whether it’s making a donation to a charity, volunteering or baking cookies for a neighbour, this advent calendar will put you in the holiday spirit.
For inspiration, check out these great random acts of kindness advents (from left to right):
4. Book Advent Calendar
If your child can’t get enough of story time, this advent might be perfect for you! Simply wrap up 24 holiday books, then open and read one together each day. The best part: you can use holiday books you already have! You can add in a new story or two if you like, but really, the best part of this advent is the surprise of not knowing what story you’re going to be reading and, of course, the time you spend together.
For inspiration, check out these great book advents (from left to right):
What’s your favourite way to count down to the holidays?
by Kendall Walters for True Potential Health Services
