The countdown to Christmas doesn’t have to be synonymous with plastic and daily sweets. 
It can become an experience of awakening, gratitude, and simplicity , to be shared with children. 
Creating an eco-friendly and sensory Advent calendar means offering a moment each day that appeals to the senses and the heart, rather than to consumption.

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The meaning of an eco-friendly and sensory Advent

Advent is a time of waiting, a slowing down before the festivities. 
A time to observe nature , to refocus, and to prepare our homes and hearts to welcome the light of December. 
Rather than opening a chocolate each morning, why not open an intention? 
Each day can become an invitation to experience : to smell a scent, to hear a sound, to touch a texture, to savor a moment. 
This approach allows children to experience December with curiosity and peace, far from the hustle and bustle of shop windows and screens.

Idea 1: Small nature bags

Make small bags from fabric or kraft paper, numbered from 1 to 24. 
Inside, slip in a sweet note , a nature challenge , or a mini-treasure . 
Children love discovering a message each morning.

Examples of content:

• “Pick up a branch and decorate it with red ribbons.”
• “Say thank you to the Earth for everything it has given you this year.”
• “Take a walk and look for something shiny.”

Materials: 24 recycled bags or envelopes, string, clothespins, dry branches. 
Age: 2 years and up with assistance. 
Preparation time: 30 minutes to 1 hour depending on the decoration. 
Tip: Hang the bags from a large branch or line them up on a natural shelf for a magical touch.

Idea 2: Rituals of the Heart

Each day, instead of a gift, share an activity to experience together. 
It could be a moment of connection, creativity, or tenderness . 
These rituals help children experience the magic of December in a different way.

Examples of rituals:

• Bake a biscuit together and share it while it’s still warm.
• Listening to a story under a blanket.
• Make a drawing for a neighbor or a grandmother.
• Light a candle and talk about a happy memory.

Age: All ages, adapt according to the duration and complexity. 
Duration: 10 to 30 minutes. 
Tip: Write the ideas on cards and let the children pick one each day.

Idea 3: Sensory maps

To awaken a child’s five senses, create 24 sensory cards to discover over the course of several days. 
Each card invites them to observe, listen, smell, or touch an everyday item.

Examples:

• Day 3: Listen to the wind in the trees.
• Day 7: breathes in the scent of a cut orange.
• Day 15: Walked barefoot for a few moments in the snow.
• Day 22: Touches the texture of a pine cone.

Materials: Recycled cardboard, paint, marker, string. 
Time: 30 minutes to create the cards. 
Age: 2 to 6 years. 
Tip: Hang the cards with mini clothespins for a beautiful sensory garland.

Why this approach?

Children learn by exploring with their senses. 
Each sensory experience develops their vocabulary, motor skills, and confidence. 
At the same time, it fosters a deep connection with nature: observing, listening, touching… and marveling. 
A sensory Advent calendar is also a wonderful way to slow down and find meaning in a time often filled with hectic activity.

Adapt the calendar to your daily life

There’s no need to plan everything in advance. 
Here are a few tips to keep this project manageable and realistic:

• If you are short on time, prepare only 7 bags at a time.
• If you live in a small space, make a unique surprise box with 24 cards to draw.
• If your child is very young, prioritize short sensory experiences: smelling a spice, touching wool, listening to a bird’s song.
• If you have several children, let them each prepare a few bags for the others: this develops cooperation and generosity.

After December 24th: prolonging the magic

When the advent calendar is finished, take a moment to reflect on everything you experienced. 
Ask your child what they liked best, what they learned, and what they would like to do again. 
Gather the cards or notes in a winter memory jar . 
This step helps cultivate gratitude and turn this ritual into a family tradition.

Creating an eco-friendly and sensory Advent calendar is a wonderful gift for children:

• the pleasure of waiting without consuming,
• the discovery of her senses,
• the joy of sharing,
• and an awareness of the world around him.

Each day becomes a small celebration of the heart and nature, simple, poetic and full of meaning.

Discover the Yule Notebook in my shop:

Download your Yule workbook to discover solstice rituals, the natural wreath and winter sensory activities.
Click here for the notebook!

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