The countdown to Christmas is always exciting, but why not add a touch of literary magic to the festivities? An Advent calendar filled with poems offers a unique and enriching way to celebrate the season. This post explores the joys of a poetic Advent calendar, suggests themes and styles, and provides inspiration to get you started crafting your own.
Why Choose Poems for Your Advent Calendar?
A traditional Advent calendar with chocolates or small toys is fun, but a poem-filled calendar offers a more lasting and engaging experience. Each day unveils not just a treat, but a moment of reflection, a spark of imagination, and a connection to the spirit of the season. This unique approach fosters creativity, encourages family bonding through shared readings, and introduces children (and adults!) to the beauty of poetry.
Thematic Approaches for Your Poetic Advent Calendar
The beauty of a poem-filled Advent calendar lies in its flexibility. You can tailor the theme to suit your family's preferences and the age of your audience. Here are some ideas to spark your creativity:
1. Classic Christmas Poems:
Focus on beloved Christmas poems by renowned poets like Clement C. Moore ("'Twas the Night Before Christmas"), Christina Rossetti ("In the Bleak Midwinter"), and Robert Louis Stevenson ("A Child's Garden of Verses" includes several Christmas-themed pieces). This provides a comforting familiarity and introduces children to classic literature.
2. Nature's Winter Wonderland:
Explore the beauty of winter through poems that evoke the imagery of snow, ice, frosted trees, and the quiet stillness of the season. This approach lends itself beautifully to sensory language and evocative descriptions.
3. The Story of Christmas:
Craft or select poems that narrate the Christmas story from different perspectives – the shepherds, the wise men, Mary and Joseph. This approach allows for a deeper engagement with the religious or cultural meaning of Christmas.
4. A Mix of Styles and Forms:
Don't limit yourself to one style! Include sonnets, limericks, free verse, haiku – a variety of forms will keep things interesting and showcase the diverse world of poetry.
5. Poems about Giving and Kindness:
Focus on the spirit of giving and generosity during the Christmas season. Poems that celebrate kindness, compassion, and the joy of sharing will reinforce positive values.
Finding and Creating Your Poems
You can source your poems in several ways:
- Classic Anthologies: Explore collections of Christmas poetry.
- Online Resources: Websites and online databases offer a wealth of poems. Remember to check copyright restrictions before using any poems.
- Write Your Own: This is the most personal and rewarding option. Even simple verses penned with love will hold special meaning.
Tips for Creating a Stunning Poetic Advent Calendar:
- Presentation Matters: Use a beautifully designed calendar, perhaps handmade or with festive decorations.
- Vary the Length: Include poems of varying lengths to keep things exciting.
- Add Visuals: Include small illustrations or drawings alongside the poems.
- Engage All Ages: Adapt the complexity of the poems to suit different age groups.
- Make it Interactive: Consider adding simple activities or questions related to the poem for each day.
Conclusion: A Gift that Keeps on Giving
A poem-filled Advent calendar is a truly unique and memorable way to celebrate the Christmas season. It offers a richer, more reflective experience than traditional calendars, fostering creativity, family bonding, and a deeper appreciation for the beauty of language and literature. So, gather your inspiration, get creative, and embark on this enchanting poetic journey!