12 Days of Gratitude: A Reverse Advent Calendar for Mindful Holiday Giving

What is a Reverse Advent Calendar?

As the holiday season approaches, many people feel overwhelmed by the commercialism and consumerism surrounding the fest instead. So instead of focusing on giving and receiving material gifts, you might be looking for a way to celebrate the season’s true spirit: kindness, compassion, and generosity.

One solution is a reverse advent calendar, which involves taking a moment each day to give back to your community, spend time with loved ones, or simply express gratitude for the good things in your life. Rather than receiving a small treat or trinket for each day leading up to Christmas, you can use a reverse advent calendar to cultivate a sense of mindfulness and meaning in your holiday season.

The idea is simple: for each day in December leading up to Christmas Day, you choose an activity that allows you to give back somehow. This might involve volunteering at a local charity, donating to a food bank, or doing something kind for a neighbor or friend. You can also use this time to reflect on the blessings in your life and write letters of appreciation to those who have positively impacted you.

How to Create Your Reverse Advent Calendar

If you’re feeling inspired to try a reverse advent calendar this year, the first step is to decide what you want to focus on. Do you want to make a difference in your community? Strengthen your relationships with loved ones. Or take a moment each day to reflect on gratitude.

Once you’ve identified your goals, it’s time to create your calendar. You can use a standard advent calendar and simply write your activities on slips of paper to be opened daily, or you can get creative and design your display.

Some ideas include using a bulletin board or cork board and pinning up a different activity for each day, creating a paper chain with action on each link, or using a cloth advent calendar and writing your activities on small cards to tuck into the pockets.

Here are some ideas for daily activities to include in your reverse advent calendar:

Day 1: Write a letter of appreciation to a loved one, expressing gratitude for their presence in your life.

Day 2: Donate non-perishable food items to a local food bank or shelter.

Day 3: Spend time volunteering at a local charity or non-profit organization.

Day 4: Bake cookies or other treats to share with friends, family, or coworkers.

Day 5: Practice mindfulness by taking a few moments to meditate or reflect on your blessings.

Day 6: Call a friend or family member you have yet to speak to and check how they’re doing.

Day 7: Clean your closet and donate gently used clothing to a local thrift store.

Day 8: Write a positive review for a business or service that has provided exceptional customer service.

Day 9: Spend quality time with a loved one, doing an activity you enjoy.

Day 10: Bundle up for a winter hike, enjoying the natural beauty around you.

Day 11: Donate to a charity that supports a cause you’re passionate about.

Day 12: Write a thank-you note to someone who has helped you or made a difference this year.

With creativity and intentionality, a reverse advent calendar can help you make the most of the holiday season. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle, you can use this time to connect with others, give back to your community, and cultivate a spirit of gratitude and generosity that lasts all year.