Reverse Advent: A New Family Tradition

As the holiday season approaches, many families look for ways to embrace the spirit of giving. One beautiful tradition to start this year is the Reverse Advent Calendar. Instead of children receiving a treat each day, they choose one of their own toys, books, or items to place in a donation basket. At the end of 25 days, your family will have a basket full of treasures to donate, spreading holiday joy to others in need. It’s something that I saw last year on an Instagram post that found its way to me. Of course when I first mentioned it to my 4 year old, I got the usual eye roll. However after talking to my husband, we decided that if we were going to do this, we would do it right. Children love to use that infamous word “why”, so I’ve created a cheat sheet for you to have all the answers!

This tradition not only teaches children about generosity and gratitude but also helps declutter your home—a win-win for the holiday season. Because you know your overly generous family members will be showering them in new gifts on the ‘big day’. This way, your child can rid of the toys they no longer reach for when playing and have a chance to learn the true meaning of the holiday season. Here is a step by step guide on how to make this meaningful activity a cornerstone of your family’s Christmas preparations:

How to Start Your Reverse Advent Calendar

1. Set Up Your Basket: Choose a special basket or box that your children can decorate for the donation items. Place it somewhere visible, like near the Christmas tree, to keep it top of mind.

2. Explain the Purpose: Share with your kids why giving back is important. Let them know that their donations will brighten another child’s Christmas.

3. Get Involved: Let your children decide which items to part with each day. This encourages a sense of ownership and empathy.

4. Read Together: Each day, read a short reflection, Bible verse, or story about kindness and generosity to deepen the impact of this tradition.

Daily Bible Verses for the Reverse Advent Calendar

Here are 25 simple and meaningful Bible verses and reflections designed for children. Each day includes a verse that emphasizes giving, kindness, or the Christmas story, along with a brief explanation to help your family connect the verse to the act of donating.

Week 1: The Spirit of Giving

1. December 1

Verse: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” – Acts 20:35

Reflection: Talk about how giving to others makes us happy and spreads love.

2. December 2

Verse: “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give.” – 2 Corinthians 9:7

Reflection: Let your child choose an item they love to share, reminding them that giving should come from the heart.

3. December 3

Verse: “Freely you have received; freely give.” – Matthew 10:8

Reflection: Discuss the blessings in your life and how sharing those blessings with others can make the world brighter.

4. December 4

Verse: “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” – Luke 6:31

Reflection: Ask your child how they would feel if they received a special gift, and explain that they can give that joy to others.

5. December 5

Verse: “Give, and it will be given to you.” – Luke 6:38

Reflection: Explain that when we give, it inspires others to give, creating a chain of kindness.

6. December 6

Verse: “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord.” – Proverbs 19:17

Reflection: Share how God loves when we help others, especially those in need.

Week 2: Sharing Our Blessings

7. December 7

Verse: “Share with the Lord’s people who are in need.” – Romans 12:13

Reflection: Talk about how sharing makes everyone feel like part of a family.

8. December 8

Verse: “The generous will themselves be blessed.” – Proverbs 22:9

Reflection: Share how giving makes our hearts feel full and happy.

9. December 9

Verse: “Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” – 1 John 3:18

Reflection: Explain how choosing a toy to donate is showing love through action.

10. December 10

Verse: “And do not forget to do good and to share with others.” – Hebrews 13:16

Reflection: Emphasize how sharing a toy or book can make another child’s Christmas special.

11. December 11

Verse: “God loves a cheerful giver.” – 2 Corinthians 9:7

Reflection: Encourage smiles and joy while picking something to give.

12. December 12

Verse: “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good.” – Psalm 107:1

Reflection: Take a moment to thank God for your blessings and share one with someone else.

Week 3: The Christmas Story

13. December 13

Verse: “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given.” – Isaiah 9:6

Reflection: Share how Jesus was God’s gift to us and how we can share gifts too.

14. December 14

Verse: “The wise men opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts.” – Matthew 2:11

Reflection: Tell the story of the wise men bringing gifts to baby Jesus and how we can follow their example.

15. December 15

Verse: “She gave birth to her firstborn, a son.” – Luke 2:7

Reflection: Reflect on how Jesus’ birth is the greatest gift of all.

16. December 16

Verse: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” – Luke 2:14

Reflection: Discuss how our gifts can bring peace and joy to others.

17. December 17

Verse: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son.” – John 3:16

Reflection: Explain how God’s gift of Jesus teaches us to be generous with our own gifts.

18. December 18

Verse: “When they had seen Him, they spread the word.” – Luke 2:17

Reflection: Share how spreading kindness is like spreading the good news of Jesus.

Week 4: Love in Action

19. December 19

Verse: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” – Matthew 22:39

Reflection: Discuss how donating toys is a way to show love to our neighbors.

20. December 20

Verse: “Let your light shine before others.” – Matthew 5:16

Reflection: Encourage your child to be a light by sharing with others.

21. December 21

Verse: “And over all these virtues put on love.” – Colossians 3:14

Reflection: Talk about how love is the best gift we can give.

22. December 22

Verse: “Bear one another’s burdens.” – Galatians 6:2

Reflection: Explain how sharing what we have can make someone else’s life easier.

23. December 23

Verse: “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24

Reflection: Encourage your child to inspire others to give.

24. December 24

Verse: “Rejoice with those who rejoice.” – Romans 12:15

Reflection: Share how joyful it will feel to bring happiness to others on Christmas.

Christmas Day: Celebrating the Greatest Gift

25. December 25

Verse: “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” – 2 Corinthians 9:15

Reflection: Celebrate the birth of Jesus and talk about how your family’s giving reflects God’s love for us.

Make This Tradition Your Own

This Reverse Advent Calendar not only prepares your home for the holiday season but also prepares your family’s hearts. By teaching children to give back, you create a tradition that emphasizes the true spirit of Christmas: love, generosity, and joy of our Savior’s birth!

Be sure to share what your family thinks of this new tradition and how you’ve made it your own!

Merry Christmas,

Ashley