Celebrate the Christmas spirit with this free printable list of good deeds for a Christmas Random Acts of Kindness Countdown!
This post has been updated with a new version of the printable as of 2017 (original 2012 printable can also be found below!)
I struggle a bit this time of year with how to teach my children the spirit of giving and kindness. I try extra hard to teach generosity this time of year because things can get very focused on “stuff.” We have always gone caroling-usually at nursing homes but last year we caroled for wounded soldiers with other military families. Last year each of my older boys (who were 4 and 5) packed a box for Operation Christmas Child. This year we bought presents for an Angel Tree for students from their school, which serves a lot of high need children.
Three years ago I found a gorgeous mirrored Advent Calendar/Countdown Calendar at Target on clearance just after the holidays. I knew I didn’t want to fill it with candy like the advent calendars I had as a child but instead use it to teach a lesson, so each year we’ve filled it with Christmas good deeds to do each day of December to help keep our hearts in the right place in the weeks leading up to Christmas.
I created a free printable if you would like to join me in good deeds next month! Just click on the image above and you can download and print your own list. I cut my list into strips and roll them up and place on in each box but you could also put them in a jar or bucket if you don’t have a calendar similar to mine.
For the updated printable click here to download.
Will you be counting down to Christmas with good deeds and acts of kindness this year? I’d love to know how you try to keep kindness and generosity in your life this time of year.
Dorothey Criswell says
I made a random acts of kindness for my young niece this year. Each day had a kindness act for her to perform plus a special Christmas ornament for a wood tree I built from old yard fence boards. On Christmas Day she opened a star tree top and skirt for her personal tree. I had so much fun putting it together and she was thrilled. It actually turned out to be a family experience and she began to really see how even small acts could have a huge impact on others. She is almost 10 years old and this was a perfect age for the tree. She was filled with the spirit of Christmas!!
Christi says
we did a calendar with similar ideas and passed them out at church. It was wonderful.
Where did the beautiful box come from? Would love to have one.
Melissa says
Hi Christi, I found the Avent Box at Target about 4 or 5 years ago, they usually have pretty ones each year!
Amy Renea says
SUCH a great way to approach advent!
Melissa Riker says
Thanks Amy, so far no pushback from the kids so it’s a winner in my book! I tried hard to distribute the good deeds mindfully through the calendar so school days were not time consuming, tasks coordinated with other events, etc.
Nikki says
This is such a great idea for our advent calendar! Thank you! I was not sure what to do with my little boxes. 🙂
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
What a great idea! Definitely pinning this!
Melissa Riker says
Thanks Chelsea! Have a great weekend!
Cindy says
I absolutely love this! We try to teach our daughter kindness and compassion. What a GREAT idea for the entire family to do! Thanks so much for the idea!
Melissa Riker says
I’m so glad you love it as much as we do Cindy!! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment!!
Jessi @ Practically Functional says
What a great way to count down the days until Christmas, love it! Pinning for sure!
Melissa Riker says
Thanks so much Jessi!! Have a great Thanksgiving!!
keri @ shaken together says
LOVE this Melissa – I pinned this to my RACK Pinterest board and will go over it with my boys so we can plan our random acts of kindness this Christmas!
Melissa Riker says
What a great Pinterest board idea Keri!! I’m off to check it out for new ideas!
Gwen says
This is such a beautiful idea, Melissa!
Melissa Riker says
Thanks so much Gwen! Have a great Thanksgiving!!
Lauren says
Thank you for this post. I am so inspired by it and think it is the perfect way to countdown to Christmas. Bravo, and much appreciated that you made it printer friendly. I am showing it to my kids this afternoon.
Melissa Riker says
Thanks so much for the sweet comment Lauren, you made my day! Have a great Thanksgiving!!