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Monday, November 28, 2011

Advent for Older Kids


I wanted to do something different with the boys for Advent this year. We usually fill a pocket calendar with little scrolls of activities to do each night. But that gets very tiring and expensive. It was great when I could put in a mini candy cane and they'd be thrilled but at 15, 14 and 13.7 their idea of special fun is a little more complex - paintball anyone?

The desire to use what we have instead of always buying 
more, more, MORE 
has been on my heart more than ever so I came up with this idea.

For advent this year, I've wrapped up the boys 24 most favorite games - this includes several wrapped decks of cards for whist, poker, speed, etc.



Each day of December one boy will pick a game and we'll all play it. This way we're spending time together which is much better then spending money and chasing entertainment.

Speaking of, this is a great video on the topic of giving of yourself and your time instead of just spending more and more $$$

Advent Conspiracy from International Justice Mission on Vimeo.

We're all a lot more excited about this year's advent then we've been in many years and as a bonus, the wrapped games are a nice festive decoration too. 


A similar idea for families with younger kids is to wrap up all their favorite story books and to read one each night.

18 comments:

  1. Cooking for My KidsNovember 28, 2011 at 9:16 AM

    I love this idea. It is all about the family togetherness, which always creates the best memories.

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  2. grrlpupNovember 28, 2011 at 9:40 AM

    That's a great idea! I would have loved this-- still would, in fact. :)

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  3. donna!eeNovember 28, 2011 at 9:49 AM

    excellent choice of gifts that give time spent together that will enhance the bonds that encourage & empower all of the family...blest be, Proverbs 31:28 :)

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  4. UnknownNovember 28, 2011 at 5:11 PM

    Neat idea...out of da box for sure!!! Hope this idea gets around the blog cuz I think a lot of people would love it.

    I gave up on advent calendars back when my kids became teenagers. We would forget to open the boxes for days...it just lost it's charm once they got older. This is a great idea. Might have tried it back when...

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  5. Patti @ Pandoras BoxNovember 29, 2011 at 4:49 AM

    Really special idea that they will always remember!

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  6. wendy smedleyNovember 29, 2011 at 8:09 AM

    Super idea!! May have to copy, thanks for sharing

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  7. UnknownNovember 29, 2011 at 9:23 PM

    I'm snagging this for next year. I've already scheduled some events for this year. But come 2012...I'm all about staying in :)

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  8. KatBouskaNovember 30, 2011 at 9:03 PM

    Sooo...I decided to do this, but didn't actually read your entire post and how you wrap their favorite games to SAVE money. Hope you don't mind I shared your post along with my advent calendar FAIL:

    http://www.mamakatslosinit.com/2011/11/countdown-to-christmas/

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  9. AnonymousDecember 1, 2011 at 4:44 AM

    I so wish my guys like games. This is such a fun idea!

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  10. BelindaDecember 2, 2011 at 5:59 PM

    Great idea!

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  11. Katie @ Creatively LivingDecember 2, 2011 at 7:31 PM

    Great idea! Games are great family gifts!!!

    --Katie
    www.blah2beautiful.blogspot.com
    Creatively Living Outside the Box

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  12. Crafty MischiefDecember 2, 2011 at 8:17 PM

    I love this idea! I found you through TT&J. Thanks for sharing!

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  13. Heidi @ Decor & MoreDecember 3, 2011 at 5:08 AM

    Wonderful idea, Nicole! It's so hard to keep the magic of Advent going with teens these days (I have 3 as well). Thanks for sharing this reminder of what's most important during the holidays.
    Visiting from TTJ ~ Merry Christmas!

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  14. Kim@todayismysome-dayDecember 3, 2011 at 7:20 AM

    What a great idea! We need ideas like this as our kids are getting older. It's so hard to keep up the fun!

    Kim
    Www.todayismysome-day.blogspot.com

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  15. LouisaDecember 3, 2011 at 8:30 AM

    That's a great idea!

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  16. KierstynDecember 3, 2011 at 6:36 PM

    What a clever idea! I can't wait to do this next year.

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  17. RuthDecember 5, 2011 at 4:09 AM

    This is a great idea. Thanks for sharing it. It's a little harder to do something like that here because our daughter is in college and has a crazy schedule.

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  18. Rockin' RedesignsNovember 13, 2012 at 7:06 PM

    I am head over heels in love with this idea!! This is the first year I've ever attempted an advent calendar and my boys are 11,8,5. I needed lots of filler and board games is the much needed answer and oh what fun we will have.

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Thanks so much, your comments make my day!