Kid Proof: a Yoto advent.

Each year, the boys and I find a way to count down the days until Christmas. It’s a simple tradition, one that helps us slow down and savor the season instead of getting caught up in the chaos. I try to have the advent ready before December begins—not to check a box, but so we can enjoy it fully, without scrambling to fill the days as they pass.

Some years, it’s been as simple as a Trader Joe’s advent calendar, with tiny chocolates behind each door. Other years, we’ve tried something a little different—like the Lego advent calendar, with its small, satisfying surprises to build each day. Last year, we read the book All Creation Waits, a beautiful collection of short, vivid reflections on how animals prepare for winter. When the boys were younger, we read through The Jesus Storybook Bible, adding an ornament to the tiny tree in their room for each story. Every year looks a little different, and I love that flexibility.

This year, I decided to create a Yoto Advent Calendar. There are endless ways to approach this idea, and you can tailor it to your family and budget.

First, you’ll want to decide how you’d like to display your cards. I’ve been reusing a linen number wall calendar for years, but there are so many options available now—everything from handmade felt calendars to simple paper envelopes strung on a string on the wall.

Next, think about what you’d like to include in the countdown. You could fill all 24 pockets with Yoto cards, create your own using Yoto’s Make Your Own cards, or mix things up with small treats, trinkets, or daily activities. I opted for a mix—I purchased a few shorter Yoto cards and filled the rest with Make Your Own cards and ornaments from our ongoing advent tradition.

Yoto also offers a free 24-day advent every December, releasing festive audio content each day. It’s a simple way to add a little magic without overcomplicating things. You can link the audio to Make Your Own cards and slip one into the advent each morning.

One of my favorite additions this year was inviting family members to record themselves reading holiday stories. I sent out an email in November, asking grandparents, aunts, and uncles to choose a favorite book, record themselves reading it aloud, and send me the files. I linked their recordings to Make Your Own cards, creating a collection of voices and memories for my boys to listen to all month long. It has been really special.

This project doesn’t have to be big or elaborate—it’s just another way to bring a little light and connection into the season. Maybe create your own tradition. However you approach advent, I hope it’s something that feels like a gift, not another item on your to-do list.