Denver Newsroom, Nov 17, 2021 / 16:02 pm

Advent is a time of preparation for the birth of Jesus Christ. And while it’s easy to get distracted by the craziness leading up to this special day, the Advent season is the perfect time to bring your family together and spend time learning about and celebrating the true meaning of Christmas.

Here’s a list of our favorite Advent calendars to bring the Nativity story to your family, and hopefully create cherished memories and long-lasting traditions.

Perfect for kids

• “Advent Calendar: Nativity” on lovepop.com 

  This Advent calendar is a great way to get your kids interacting with the story of Jesus’ birth. This Nativity day-by-day advent calendar includes paper pop-ups to teach the story of Jesus’ birth in a hands-on way. For each day, there is a brief explanation of the Nativity story that is easy to read and understandable for young children.

• “Color Your Own Advent Calendar” on catholiccompany.com 

  This color-your-own Advent calendar from the Catholic Company encourages children to use their creativity as they learn the Nativity story. It teaches children the story of Jesus’ birth as they color different sections of the Nativity scene each day leading up to Christmas.

  Something the whole family will love

  • “Manger Scene – Freestanding Advent Calendar” on ewtnrc.com

    Countdown to Christmas with this Advent calendar depicting the manger scene. Each day, open the corresponding window to reveal a special image and Bible verse that retells part of the Nativity story. Get the whole family involved by rotating who gets to read each day.

  • “Itty Bittys Countdown Calendar to Jesus’ Birthday” on ewtnrc.com

    For families with newborns or babies, the Itty Bittys Countdown Calendar to Jesus’ Birthday from the EWTN Religious Catalogue is a great option. It features a plush baby Jesus that is moved from pocket to pocket each day and then is placed in the manger on Dec. 25. It’s a great way to start getting your little one familiar with Advent and the Nativity story.

  Do it yourself

  • If you’re looking for a DIY Advent calendar, here’s an idea for one you can make using only envelopes, paper and a pen. Start by drawing numbers on each envelope and place them, in numerical order, throughout your home. For example, you can pin them to a bulletin board, or clip them to long pieces of twine that can be hung on the wall. Then take smaller pieces of paper and write Bible verses that retell the story of Jesus’ birth and place them in each envelope. You can also write ideas for kind gestures you and your kids can do for a family member, such as “Do a chore you don’t usually do” or “Compliment someone today.”

  Prayerful; for grown-ups

  • “Rejoice! Advent Meditations with Mary Journal” on ascensionpress.com

    During Advent, Christians are invited to enter into prayer, reflection, and Scripture. Ascension’s Rejoice! Advent Meditations with Mary Journal will guide you through the season of Advent. Walk with Mary each day through meditations that offer insight into the life of the Blessed Mother, and invite you to encounter her more deeply. Father Mark Toups provides writings to help you through your prayer. These include a word to focus on each day, a reflection, a Psalm, a reading and a prompt.

    Don’t let the busyness of the holiday season distract you from its true meaning— preparing for the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Invite the joy of Advent into your homes and families, and remember it’s not about the presents, but His presence.