7 Simple Advent Activities for Busy Families (By a Family Photographer in Geneva)

So… December is in 9 days.

If you’re anything like me, this is the moment when all the “Pinterest-perfect” ideas start attacking you from everywhere – and all you want is one good memory with your kids without a meltdown (yours or theirs).


Ideally captured as a photo too… 😂

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I’m Maryia, a family photographer based in  Geneva, and every December I prepare a simple Advent countdown for my three boys.

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After 15 magical seasons and 3 boys, here’s what I know for sure:

You don’t need 24 complicated activities.

You just need a few small, fun moments that work in real families.

The kind that light you up instead of putting more pressure.

So today I’m sharing a few of our favourite, very-doable Advent ideas:
things we do every year, that don’t require a craft diploma,
and that give you connection instead of disappointment.

Feel free to steal them:

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1. Lego Christmas Town

Everyone gets a handful of random Lego pieces each day and builds one chaotic little world together.
(Once, my kids built a bank. Please don’t ask. 🤷‍♀️🤣)

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2. Christmas DJs Night

Everyone chooses two songs.
Dance. Goof around. Zero planning.
Takes 10 minutes and instantly lifts the mood.
A great moment to take photos and videos too.

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3. Candle + Flashlight Evening

Lights off. Candles on.
Shadow theatre before bed.

Strangely magical — even teens relax.

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4. Winter Balcony Picnic

Tea + pastry + blankets + cold noses.
I swear it works every single time.

(Optionally: marshmallows + campfire if you have space.)

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5. Gratitude Letter

Each kid writes a letter to someone who was kind to them this year.

It teaches them something no Advent calendar ever will.

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6. Secret Cards for Parents

Little kids LOVE this.
They feel sneaky and important.
You get the sweetest card of the year.

…My big kids love these too, but no guarantees. 🤣

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7. Photo Advent Calendar

My favourite tradition: every day you flip a card with a photo from the past years.
Kids go wild for this.

And it’s so much easier and quicker to make than an album.

These tiny things create more holiday spirit than any “DIY or die” activities ever could.

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Want more simple Advent ideas?

If you want a whole bunch of easy things you can actually do…

• emotional photo gift ideas
  
• Advent activities your kids won’t resist
  
• holiday photo tips that make your kids cooperate
  

…then I have something for you:

The Busy Parents Guide to “Magical” Time

How to create lovely holiday memories no matter what

Learn More

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👉 Get it now – €25 until November 25 >>>

After that the price returns to €45.

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You get immediate access to:

• Emotional Photo Gifts Workshop (albums, wall art, calenders - easy to make)
• 31+ Advent & New Year kids-proof activities
• Holiday photo tips
• My favourite ways to capture moments without staging anything
• Our warm Facebook community (70+ lovely humans)

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If you’d rather connect than collapse this December, this is for you.

See all the details here >>>

Cheers! 

Maryia 😘