Meaningful Ways to Mark Advent

Meaningful Ways to Mark the Days of Advent

There’s something unmistakably special about the first of December. As children, it felt like the moment the season truly began - that little door on the calendar marking one step closer to Christmas morning. As adults, it’s easy to lose touch with that sense of quiet excitement. But Advent still offers us a gentle invitation: to slow down, to notice, and to savour the days as they unfold.

Advent, Reimagined

Advent was never really about the gifts or the chocolates (tempting though they may be). At its heart, it’s a season of anticipation - a time to prepare, to reflect, and to find moments of joy in the waiting. There are so many ways to bring this meaning back into our homes, each one simple and personal.

1. The Daily Candle

There’s something grounding about the ritual of light. Advent candles, marked with the days of December, burn down slowly - a quiet reminder of time passing. In my childhood, my mum would make a small table arrangement of greenery and a single advent candle, lit each evening at dinner. It was a simple tradition, but one that made those dark evenings feel special.

You can recreate your own version with a taper candle, a touch of winter foliage, and a few quiet minutes set aside each night.

2. An Advent Calendar with Heart

Not all advent calendars need to be filled with things. You might choose to fill small envelopes or boxes with handwritten notes, acts of kindness, or gentle seasonal activities - things like write a card by hand, go for a twilight walk, or call someone you love.

These kinds of calendars help bring a little intentional joy into each day - something to look forward to that isn’t about more stuff, but about connection.

3. A Traditional Picture Calendar

Long before chocolate ones appeared, Advent calendars simply revealed a picture behind each window. There’s something charmingly nostalgic about that simplicity. They also make thoughtful, easy-to-post gifts - especially for someone who prefers something traditional or non-material.

4. The Advent Wreath

More common across Europe, the Advent wreath holds four candles, one lit each Sunday leading up to Christmas. Traditionally, each represents hope, peace, joy and love. Religious or not, this quiet weekly ritual can be a lovely way to pause and reflect. A moment to count blessings and notice the good that’s already here.

Our Advent wreaths are designed in that same spirit: simple, natural pieces that bring warmth and light to the season, whether placed at the centre of your table or in a nook. A reminder, each Sunday, to slow the pace and take stock of what really matters.

5. A Simple Countdown of Beauty

For those who enjoy making things, try creating your own natural countdown - 24 small decorations or tags hung from a branch, one added each day. They might be dried orange slices, sprigs of rosemary, or handmade paper stars. By Christmas Eve, you’ll have a beautiful, meaningful piece of seasonal décor, built slowly day by day.

Advent doesn’t have to be grand or expensive. It’s about anticipation, presence, and noticing the joy returning. A time to slow the pace before the rush of the big day. However you choose to mark it, may it bring a little calm, and a little magic, to the days ahead.