Reverse Advent Calendar

Often an Advent calendar is used to count down the days until Christmas by opening a box and discovering an ornament or something that helps you focus on the Advent journey. A reverse Advent calendar focuses on giving something instead of receiving – a Christ centered idea indeed – since Christmas is all about God giving himself to us as a baby.

The idea behind a reverse Advent calendar is simple. Pick out a sturdy basket, box or bag and fill it with food donations for your local food bank – one item for every day in December. Then, when your bags are full, take them to the food bank of your choice. Through our Bless Big campaign West Side supports both the White Center and West Seattle Food Banks.

This simple Advent idea encourages us to think of others as we wait to celebrate the birth of Christ. What a great way to serve others this Advent!

The beauty of this reverse Advent calendar is in its simplicity but also in how you can customize it.

• Add one item a day or purchase several items every time you shop.
• Collect 25 items from your whole family or 25 items from each member in your family.
• Start collecting the items at the beginning of December.
• Focus on food items or practical donations or a combination of both.

You can create the reverse Advent calendar however you and your family choose.