The Christmas season is a time to slow down, reflect, and prepare our hearts for the celebration of Jesus’ birth. But with the busyness of the holidays, it’s easy to rush past the deeper meaning of Advent. What if this year, you could truly savor the season? By engaging your body, mind, and spirit, you can immerse yourself in the Christmas story in a way that feels tangible and meaningful. Here are seven multi-sensory Advent resources for Christian families to enhance your Advent experience with tools and traditions you can easily incorporate into your home and family life.
1. Advent Candle Set
Advent candles are a classic way to mark the weeks leading up to Christmas, each one representing hope, peace, joy, and love. Traditionally, three candles are purple, one is pink, and the center Christ candle is white. Lighting a new candle each week reminds us of the growing anticipation for Jesus’ arrival.
For families with little ones, consider this Advent toy candle set so kids can participate safely without worrying about open flames. It’s a great way to teach them the significance of each candle in a hands-on way.
2. Advent Candle Holder
If you’re lighting Advent candles, you’ll need a holder to keep them secure and beautifully displayed. Why not choose one you truly love?
For an elegant touch, try this gold metal candle holder that adds a modern flair to your holiday decor. Prefer something more traditional? Check out this rustic holder featuring a nativity scene for a meaningful centerpiece.
3. Advent Devotional
Advent devotionals help you slow down and focus on the true meaning of Christmas. Whether you’re reading solo or with your family, devotionals provide a daily opportunity to meditate on Scripture and prepare your heart for the joy of Jesus’ birth.
A few highly recommended ones include:
Dwell: An Advent Study and Liturgy by Rachel Fahrenbach
Unwrapping the Names of Jesus by Asheritah Ciu Ciu
Shadow and Light by Tsh Oxenreider
These devotionals help you carve out intentional moments of reflection in the midst of holiday busyness.
4. Advent Calendar
Counting down to Christmas is one of the most fun ways to celebrate Advent. Advent calendars come in all styles, so there’s something for everyone:
For kids: Try this felt nativity Advent calendar, where they can assemble the nativity scene piece by piece each day.
For chocolate lovers: Go with this classic nativity Advent calendar, which includes a sweet treat and a Bible verse behind each flap.
For puzzle enthusiasts: Use this puzzle Advent calendar that features mini puzzles and verses to meditate on each day.
For an unforgettable keepsake: Assemble this wooden Advent calendar and fill each drawer with your favorite treats or small gifts.
5. Family Advent Guides
Bring the whole family together by diving into the story of Jesus’ birth with Advent guides designed for all ages.
One option is the Jesus Storybook Bible Christmas Collection, which simplifies the story for kids while keeping it engaging for adults. You can also try a Jesse Tree guide, which walks your family through key moments in the Bible, leading up to Jesus’ birth. Each day, you’ll hang ornaments representing significant events in the story of redemption.
6. Frankincense and Myrrh
Incorporate the rich scents of the Christmas story into your celebration. Frankincense and myrrh, two of the gifts the wise men brought to Jesus, have deep biblical significance.
You can light a frankincense and myrrh-scented candle, diffuse essential oils, or use a healing balm that combines the medicinal qualities of both ingredients. These scents create a calming, sacred atmosphere in your home while connecting you to the story of the Magi.
7. Advent Decor
Surround yourself with visual reminders of the Christmas story by decorating your home with Advent-inspired pieces.
Adorn your tree with olive wood nativity ornaments imported from Bethlehem.
Hang signs like this “Come Let Us Adore Him” sign, this Emmanuel sign, or this Isaiah 9:6 print to reflect the season’s message.
Set up this interactive Advent countdown on your mantel, and move the characters toward the manger each day.
These thoughtful touches help you keep the focus on Christ as you celebrate.
How to Make Advent Special This Year
More Advent Resources for Christian Families
This Advent season, don’t just go through the motions—immerse yourself fully in the beauty of the Christmas story. All the items I’ve mentioned are conveniently linked in my Amazon Advent Favorites List to make your preparations easier.
What about you? What are your favorite Advent traditions and tools? I’d love to hear about them! Let’s connect on social media and share favorite multi-sensory advent resources for Christian families that will make this season meaningful. Together, we can rediscover the wonder and joy of Christmas.
