Advent Filler Ideas for Teens

As the countdown to Christmas begins, the Advent calendar is a beloved tradition that helps build anticipation for the festive season. But what do you do with those long, seemingly endless days between opening the calendar doors? Here, we've compiled a list of engaging and fun advent filler ideas for teens to keep them entertained and excited throughout the month of December.

From creative activities to thoughtful gestures, these ideas are designed to make the Advent season even more special. So, let's dive in and explore some fantastic ways to fill those advent days!

Creative Advent Activities

Unleash your teen's creativity with these engaging and fun activities that will make each Advent day memorable.

Advent calendar crafts are a great way to keep teens engaged and excited. They can create their own advent calendar using recycled materials, or even make personalized ornaments for the Christmas tree. The possibilities are endless!

DIY Advent Calendar

Encourage your teen to create their own DIY advent calendar using materials like cardboard, paper bags, or even an old shoe box. They can decorate it with festive colors, stickers, and drawings, and fill it with small treats or notes for each day leading up to Christmas.

For a more interactive experience, they can create a reverse advent calendar by filling it with non-perishable food items or toiletries to donate to a local charity. This not only keeps them engaged but also teaches them the importance of giving back during the holiday season.

Christmas Crafts

Teens can explore their artistic side by creating their own Christmas crafts. From painting ornaments to making homemade greeting cards, there are countless ideas to choose from. They can even try their hand at making festive wreaths, garlands, or centerpieces using natural materials like pine cones, berries, and evergreen branches.

To make it more engaging, you can host a family craft night where everyone can participate and create their own unique Christmas decorations. This is a wonderful way to spend quality time together and create lasting memories.

Thoughtful Advent Gestures

Spread joy and kindness this Advent season with these thoughtful gestures that will make a positive impact on your teen's community.

Acts of service are a meaningful way to celebrate the true spirit of Christmas. Encourage your teen to perform random acts of kindness, such as shoveling a neighbor's driveway, helping with household chores, or volunteering at a local charity.

Random Acts of Kindness

Create a list of random acts of kindness ideas and have your teen choose one to complete each day. This could include anything from leaving a positive note for a family member to donating old clothes to a local shelter. Encourage them to reflect on the impact of their actions and share their experiences with the family.

To make it more fun, you can turn it into a game by creating a "kindness bingo" card with various acts of kindness. Your teen can mark off a square each time they complete an act, and once they have a bingo, they get a small reward or treat.

Volunteering

Volunteering is an excellent way for teens to give back to their community and gain a sense of purpose during the Advent season. They can volunteer at a local food bank, animal shelter, or community center, helping with tasks such as sorting donations, walking dogs, or assisting with events.

To make it a more meaningful experience, you can volunteer as a family. This not only teaches your teen the importance of giving back but also strengthens your family bond as you work together to make a difference in your community.

Festive Fun and Games

Get into the holiday spirit with these fun and engaging games and activities that will make Advent days fly by.

Holiday-themed games and activities are a great way to keep teens entertained and engaged during the Advent season. From Christmas movie marathons to gingerbread house decorating contests, there are countless ideas to choose from.

Christmas Movie Marathon

Create a cozy movie den with blankets, pillows, and festive snacks, and host a Christmas movie marathon. Choose a mix of classic holiday films and new favorites, and let your teen vote on which ones to watch. Don't forget to make some popcorn and enjoy the show!

To make it more interactive, you can play movie-themed games like "Guess the Christmas Song" or "Name That Christmas Movie" during the commercial breaks or intermissions. This will keep your teen engaged and add an extra layer of fun to the movie marathon.

Gingerbread House Decorating Contest

Host a gingerbread house decorating contest and let your teen's creativity shine. Provide each participant with a gingerbread house kit, icing, and an assortment of candies and sweets to decorate with. Set a timer and let the creativity flow!

After the contest, have a family taste test to determine the winner. The winning gingerbread house can be displayed proudly on your Christmas table, and the rest can be enjoyed as a delicious treat.

As the Advent season comes to an end, we hope these ideas have inspired you to create memorable and meaningful experiences for your teen. Whether they're engaging in creative activities, performing acts of kindness, or enjoying festive games, there's no shortage of ways to make each Advent day special. So, grab your hot chocolate, put on some Christmas tunes, and get ready to make this holiday season one to remember!