Simple Ways to Practice Advent with Kids
As parents today, we have endless options for making the most of Christmas.
We can scour social media for the latest and greatest deals. We can peruse Pinterest for DIY decor ideas. We can buy ready-made advent calendars filled with treats and toys galore.
But sometimes, the best way to enjoy the magic of Christmas is to lean into the simplicity of the season—to remember why we celebrate, and to share those reasons with our kids.
Here at Minno, we want to help you do just that.
5 Simple Ways to Practice Advent as a Family
Advent can be a beautiful time of anticipation. Not just for gifts—although those are fun too! But also excitement for the joy and hope brought about as we remember Christ’s birth.
All of the Advent ideas below come together quickly and with little-to-no effort. But the payoff can be huge! Encouraging kids to spend a few minutes learning about why we celebrate Christmas makes the season that much sweeter for everyone.
1. Watch The Laugh and Grow Bible Christmas Special
Start off the month of December with the story of the first Christmas.
In this 20-minute special, your kids will join the Minno crew to learn about God’s promises to His people long ago—to make Abraham’s family into a great nation and to give him a descendant who would be the Savior of the world.
Jesus is the fulfillment of that promise! And just like Minno Kids Margot, Lexi, Miguel, and Logan learn, your child will discover that Jesus is also our friend.
Want to know the best part? The Christmas Special is available whether or not you have a subscription to Minno. Give it a try as you practice Advent with your kids and see what our programming is all about!
2. Read the Laugh and Grow Advent Devotional
Grab a copy of our favorite hardback devotional at a special discounted price! The book walks you and your kids through four weeks of stories sure to spark meaningful conversations—and plenty of laughs—along the way.
Each daily reading includes a moment for family connection through prayer, memory verses, and play. Use this open-and-go Advent to start a tradition that will last for years to come!
3. Download the FREE Laugh and Grow Bible Family Fun Guide
This guide is perfect for keeping young kids engaged in the meaning and message of Christmas. It comes with so many printable ideas and activities, including:
- Games
- Coloring Pages
- Gift Tags
- Crafts
- Prayers
- Discussion Guides
Plus a full month of cut-out activity slips to fill an advent calendar! You do not want to miss this cheery and meaningful family fun guide.
4. Sing Along with Our Weekly Family Advent Videos
Tune in each week when you and your kiddos have just five minutes to spare. You’ll hear a snippet of the Christmas story, sing along with our lyrics video, and end the moment in prayer. As you do, your family will be encouraged to embrace the wonder of Christmas through the lenses of hope, peace, joy, and love.
You’ll also find that, at the end of each episode, we light a candle representing what we’ve learned. Feel free to bring this video moment into the real world by lighting candles of your own. It’s a wonderful tradition that adds warmth and a tangible reminder of Christ’s birth.
5. Join us for Church at Home This Christmas Season
Traveling for the holidays, have a sick kiddo at home, or simply haven’t yet found a church family? Join us each week for kid-friendly worship music and the Minno Sunday Fun Show.
Our Christmas programming runs seven Sundays and covers everything from the angel’s visit with Mary to Jesus’ birth and beyond! Each episode lasts between 15 and 30 minutes and includes fun stories and moments with The Owlegories, Buck Denver, and Bethel Kids.
We hope these resources help you find simple and joy-filled ways to reflect on the reason for the season with your kids!
By: Stephanie Thomas