ALIGN’S Indigenous Christmas Online Advent Calendar for Kids & Families

An elf beside an advent calendar shaped like a house with snow top roof and candycane decorations. There are many little windows and doors which are each numbered. The elf is wearing a green santa hat with fur trim and a pompom. Text reads Online Indigenous Advent Calendar for Children and Families

We’ve kept some favorites from last year and added a bunch of new surprises for 2023

NO PEEKING AHEAD – SANTA KNOWS SO BE GOOD FOR GOODNESS SAKE!

Scroll down and place your cursor over the corresponding day and it will flip to show you a link to an Indigenous Christmas surprise!

Songs, crafts, stories and more that the whole family will enjoy 

DECEMBER 1

Watch video and sing along Cree Grinch Song by #CreeSimonSays
WATCH VIDEO HERE

DECEMBER 2

Read Aloud Coyote Christmas, A Lakota Story
WATCH & LISTEN HERE

DECEMBER 3

Traditional Gifts weren't purchased in stores Try making something with natures pine cones to give as gifts this Christmas! Video - 3 DIY Pinecone Crafts Ideas for Kids - Great Wolf Lodge
WATCH HERE
Vector graphic A blue Christmas candle with holly leaves and berries

DECEMBER 4

Silent Night, Blackfoot Version performed by Maureen Chambers
WATCH VIDEO
Vector snow globe with fir tree

DECEMBER 5

Winter Solstice was a time for celebrations long before Christmas came to Turtle Island. Learn what the winter solstice means in the Cree tradition | Ask an Elder CBC
WATCHVIDEO HERE
Vector - boy from artic in blue parka with blue mitts

DECEMBER 6

FREE Inuit Winter Clothing Cut Out and Dress Up Activity (Free Sign Up Required)
VIEW HERE
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DECEMBER 7

Sing along to Jingle Bells in Woodland Cree performed by Laura Burnouf
WATCH & LISTEN HERE
christmas-tree-g59c951741_640

DECEMBER 8

Video Read Aloud - 2 Stories Twelve Days of Native Christmas and The Native Night before Christmas when all through the teepee....
WATCH VIDEO HERE!
snowflake-1077428_1280

DECEMBER 9

Mother Nature loves the snow. Do you? Make these snow flake ornaments with paper and twigs to honor the season Visit Buggy and Buddy
WATCH HERE
Vector graphic of Santa with his arms around a deer

DECEMBER 10

Video "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" Sung by Santa himself in Navajo!
WATCH HERE
christmas-tree-g59c951741_640

DECEMBER 11

Cree - CHRISTMAS nîpâ-ayamihâw kîsikâw ᓃᐹ ᐊᔭᒥᐦᐋᐤ ᑮᓯᑳᐤ Watch Lance Cardina and learn how to make a popsicle stick tree ornament!
WATCH & LISTEN HERE
Blue vector moose dancing. He has a red scarf

DECEMBER 12

Metis Christmas celebrations include music and dance. Watch this Video Métis Jigging from CBC Kids that teaches you a few steps and how to put the moves together so you can get your Jig on!
WATCH HERE
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DECEMBER 13

Nature is honored and respected by Indigenous people so make an Easy Christmas Tree Ornament With Twigs from Easy Peesy and Fun and celebrate nature with your decorations and gifts!
LEARN HOW HERE
Two yellow Christmas bells with a red ribbon

DECEMBER 14

Watch and Listen to Hark the Herald Angels Sing, sung by Jana Mashonee in Lakota
VIEW HERE

DECEMBER 15

Honor nature and make a "Tree Treat" for the birds. Roll pinecones in peanut butter and bird seed and use a string to hang them as Christmas gifts on your outdoor trees. Learn more at Chirp for Bird
SEE MORE IDEAS HERE!
red and white drum with drum sticks

DECEMBER 16

Enjoy and sing along to Little Drummer Boy Sung in Cree (The Gift of Language)
LISTEN HERE!
green christmas tree vector with golden swirls

DECEMBER 17

Video Métis Christmas Countdown: Stoves & Sashes Bakin' Bannock Video. Make Bannock and celebrate the season during our Christmas Countdown.
LEARN HOW HERE
Vector graphic of Santa by a tree surrounded in presents with a back pack full of toys like a Teddy Bear

DECEMBER 18

Watch the Cree version of Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas is You" recorded in Alberta in order to help connect Indigenous students with the Cree language
WATCH HERE
A Vector Graphic of a reindeer with a red nose and a red scarf

DECEMBER 19

Make this super easy and fun Reindeer Ornament with twigs and twine! Making an ornament with natures supplies is a great way to honor the land. Learn how at Fireflies and Mud Pies
VIEW HERE
santa-claus-153309_640

DECEMBER 20

Lil Moshom. Merry Christmas in Cree. Watch animated Santa bust a move while you learn some Christmas words in Cree!
WATCH AND LISTEN HERE!
Animation of 3 blue mountains with white peaks surrounded by spruce trees with a dark blue sky and white moon.

DEC 21 THE WINTER SOLSTICE!

Video READ ALOUD Holiday Story Time - Mouse Celebrates The Winter Solstice
VIEW HERE

DECEMBER 22

15 Winter Solstice Activities For Kids Fun Facts about Winter Solstice for Kids with LIttle Bins and Little Hands
VIEW HERE
Vector graphic with smiling santa with his arm around a smiling polar bear that has a green scarf

DECEMBER 23

Watch Video Oh Come All Ye Faithful, sung in Kalispel Salish by Jana Mashonee
VIEW HERE

DECEMBER 24

Learn How to Make Easy Moose Christmas Ornaments that Smell Delicious!
LEARN HOW
Purple reindeer pulling Santa's sleigh. Text reads Merry Christmas

DECEMBER 25! HO HO HO

12 Days of Native Language – Learn how to say Merry Christmas in Lakota, Cree, Metis/Michif and more!
VIEW HERE

MORE ACTIVITIES & RESOURCES FOR CHILDREN, YOUTH & CAREGIVERS

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Based out of Edmonton, we are a provincial collection of allies – a unified community of agencies that represents the diverse needs of Alberta’s children and families. We are proud to champion the work of our front line service providers and to support our members. Together, we are stronger.

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