A Different Kind of Advent Calendar

​Here is an idea to help you remember and practice the true spirit of Christmas. Don’t feel confined by these ideas - they are just suggestions. Advent is short this year because Christmas Eve is on Sunday but don’t stop till you finish all four weeks! (with thanks to our friends at Orleans United Church for the idea). 

A Different Kind of Advent Calendar 
Week 1 HOPE  (December 3 to 9)
Sunday: Pray for our Aylmer United Church family 
Monday: Make Christmas cookies to share 
Tuesday: Go outside for a walk with your family
Wednesday: Phone someone who needs cheering up
Thursday: Take a deep breath and notice the beauty around you
Friday: Put up the crèche in your house - if you don’t have one, make one!
Saturday: Say hello to a stranger  

Week 2  PEACE  December 10 to 16)
Sunday: Pray for our White Gift recipients 
Monday: Make a donation to your favourite charity
Tuesday: Smile at everyone you meet
Wednesday: Phone someone to wish them Merry Christmas 
Thursday: Remember what the Christmas Spirit is all about 
Friday: Write a hope-filled Christmas letter to your friends
Saturday: Offer a sincere compliment 

Week 3  JOY (December 17 to 23)
Sunday: Pray for our Christmas family 
Monday: When stopped at a traffic light, wave to the people in the next car
Tuesday: Say thank you for a kindness done
Wednesday: Invite someone out for coffee, tea or hot chocolate
Thursday: Make a donation to a charity you have not supported before
Friday: Read a story to a child
Saturday: Thank someone for helping you 

Week 4  LOVE  (December 24 to 30)
Sunday: Pray for the world God loves so much
Christmas Day: Open Christmas presents together, appreciating each one
Tuesday: Bake some more Christmas cookies to share
                 (remember the season of Christmas lasts 12 days!)
Wednesday: Bring greetings to your neighbours
Thursday: Take some quiet time to count your blessings
Friday: Tell someone you love what you have learned this year
             about the meaning of Christmas
Saturday: Send someone a love note 

​Have fun and let me know how it goes.