What is a reverse advent calendar?
Advent calendars typically result in numerous small gifts, one for every day of December in the lead up to Christmas. This can be flipped on its head to instead donate something on each day instead of receiving, using what’s known as a reverse advent calendar.
Giving to charity at Christmas is a great way for people to practice compassion. There are many charities that specialise in different fields which makes it possible to find something that suits anyone’s interests. The act of giving at Christmas is more than just handing over some money; it is an opportunity to help someone who may be less fortunate than you are.
What are the benefits of a reverse advent calendar?
1. It is a fun activity to do with your children
I have everything already purchased and in a big pile and get my children to go and find the item that’s on the calendar for each day.
2. It is a good opportunity to teach your children about giving
I use a reverse advent calendar to remind my children that they are very fortunate to have plenty of toys and food but not everyone is so lucky. Of course I buy all the items to donate so the kids aren’t actually sacrificing anything but just seeing seeing chocolates, biscuits and other treats going to someone when they aren’t getting any helps them to appreciate the meaning of giving. I also ask that they choose one toy of their own to donate to an op shop as well.
3. It reduces the consumerism and waste of typical advent calendars
My family never had advent calendars when I was a kid and I must admit I was a little jealous of friends who would get a tiny chocolate each day. However advent calendars seem to have evolved and every brand has one. I’ve seen advent calendars that promise 24 tubs of playdough, 24 bottles of gin, 24 books or 24 perfumes. And that’s just in the lead up to Christmas before the real haul of presents comes in. It’s madness!
Where can I donate my reverse advent calendar?
Do a quick search of your local area for any charities doing food drives over Christmas. Charities that may benefit most from your reverse advent calendar donation are ones that help the homeless, domestic violence victims, families affected by illness and refugees.
Tips for using a reverse advent calendar
- Start your reverse advent calendar in early to mid November. This will allow time for you to donate the goods to a charity and the charity to distribute before Christmas Day.
- Decide who you will donate to first and ask what they really need.
- All food should be non-perishable.
- Everything must be new and unopened. This should not be viewed as an opportunity to clear out your pantry and declutter the house.
- Include nice things if you can, not just the basics – it’s Christmas after all.
- Give generously – if you can
It is easy to create your own reverse advent calendar or you can download the My Green Toddler Version below.
I absolutely LOVE this idea of a reverse advent calendar for Christmas. Anything that helps to reinforce gratitude and giving to others is a definite win win in my book. Thank you for sharing this amazing idea!
This is a great idea and I’m passing it on to my daughter to do with her kids. She’s always looking for ways to teach my grandkids about helping others!
This is such a beautiful idea! Christmas is a great opportunity to teach our children to give and the real reason for the season. I am going to incorporate this into our Christmas tradition this year! Thanks for sharing.