Three Ways to Celebrate Advent when Life is Difficult

A few years ago, we were in an incredibly heavy season of life as Advent approached. I had 0% in my tank to put toward anything creative or—Heaven forbid—crafty.

But, even with our life in ruins around us, Advent was still important enough to observe (thank God for the liturgical year and how it keeps us on the rails through this valley of tears).

So I approached Advent very simply. And wouldn't you know... it was one of the most spiritually-fruitful Advents we've had as a family.

If you're in a season where you don't have a lot of extra time or energy to devote to elaborate Advent activities, here are a few ways to intentionally mark Advent in your home:

1. Sing "O Come, O Come Emmanuel"

Short and powerful, this Advent hymn is the perfect way to end each day as a family. Sing a verse together after dinner or before bedtime; it takes about 50 seconds.

And if you're feeling wild, grab this hymn study for the extra coloring pages and copywork based on this hymn!

2. "Climb" the Jesse Tree

These cards make the beloved tradition of the Jesse Tree rich and doable in about 5 minutes each day.

(Y'all have been loving the illustrations, and for good reason! They're beautiful and filled with symbolism that sticks with children.)

3. Fast from something as a family

Advent is a penitential season! And while difficult seasons of life often feel penitential in-and-of themselves, sometimes it helps to actually choose a sacrifice as a family. It builds the "we are in this together" aspect of suffering.

Chat about it as a family in the coming weeks and see if fasting from dessert, TV, or extra spending would be a good group sacrifice.

I hope these help give some inspiration for Advent when life feels like a lot.

What are your favorite, simple ways to observe the Advent season? Share with us in the comments below. 

Ready to dive deeper? 

Here are 4 ways to fill your nets... 

 1. Memorize Bible verses with your children easily with our FREE guide: Stocking the Storehouses

 2. Make your dreams of family prayer a reality with The Daily Feast framework, making it possible in just a few minutes a day. This free guide shows you how.

 3. Want to steward your own prayer life? Check out this Scripture prayer journal we made just for you.

 4. Looking to level-up in your family faith formation? Join over 10,000 families that use our resources. We make open-and-go, family-style resources to make your role as primary catechist easy AND delightful. Click here to browse!