UNPOPULAR OPINION: I’m Not an Advent Calendar Convert

I know advent calendars spark joy for lots of people, and some of them are genuinely brilliant. But the traditional 24 tiny things behind cardboard doors has never totally clicked with me.

It’s partly environmental, partly about the season already feeling abundant enough, and partly because I love the idea of using December to slow down, connect, and do things that actually feel meaningful.

So instead of 24 mini gifts, I prefer to treat advent a little differently. Little daily rituals that bring fun, connection, or goodness into the world.

Below are some fun, thoughtful alternatives you might try this year.

Why Advent Calendars Don’t Work For Me

Most advent calendars look lovely on the outside, but they often include things that are used once and forgotten. December can already feel full of stuff, noise, and busy energy, so I prefer a slower, more intentional approach that feels good for me and better for the planet.

7 Alternative Advent Ideas That Feel Good

1. Kindness Countdown Advent

Do one small kind thing each day. Write a card for your postie, leave a glowing review for a small business, check in on a neighbour, or pick up some litter on your daily walk. Tiny actions create big feel-good energy.

Here are some ideas from our kindness advent calendar we published a couple of years ago:

2. Reverse Advent Box

Add one item a day to a donation box.
By Christmas, you’ve created a thoughtful bundle for a food bank, community hub, or local charity. It’s a simple way to make giving a daily habit. A great way for kids to see how small steps add up to something of real value for someone else.

3. New Recipe Advent

Try a new dish each day or every few days.
It could be breakfast experiments, tasty dinners, or festive bakes. Make it a family or housemate challenge and rotate who chooses the next recipe. As we will have just finished our new kitchen, after living with just an air fryer for 6 months - I think this is going to be the one for us that brings all the family back around the table properly.

4. Daily Inspiration Advent

Choose a short talk, podcast episode, or blog each day. A few minutes of learning or reflection can get you in the right mindset during a busy month.

5. Eco Swap Challenge

Make one small sustainable swap each day, like reusable wrapping, plastic free choices, greener gifting, or cooking with leftovers. By the end of December you’ll have built habits that last.

6. Give Back Advent

Donate a small amount each day to causes you care about, or choose one charity and give a little daily. Even 50p a day becomes meaningful over 24 days.

7. Daily Music Discovery

Find one new artist every day and listen to a song or two. Fun to do together and discover music that moves you.
It’s a lovely cultural ritual and builds the best playlist for the new year ahead.

A Different Kind of December Magic

There are some gorgeous advent calendars out there, and if you love them, enjoy every second. We’re not here to judge.

But if you fancy doing advent differently this year, these small rituals can add meaning, creativity, and connection to the countdown to Christmas.

Will you try something new this year?

Happy Silly Season