Discover the Reverse Advent Calendar A heartwarming initiative that teaches children the joy of giving
In this blog, we’re highlighting:
- What is the Reverse Advent Calendar?
- How did the Reverse Advent Calendar start?
- How to Involve Your School with the Reverse Advent Calendar Assembly
Spreading Kindness Through the Reverse Advent Calendar
As the nights draw in and cupboards fill with mince pies, stockings and all things twinkly and festive, the thrill of counting down the days to Christmas is felt in every school classroom, corridor and assembly hall.
Sparking joy and building momentum for one of Britain’s most celebrated public holidays, the traditional advent calendar comprises of the daily ritual of opening tiny doors that contain treats ranging from pictures and chocolates to toys, messages, books and more.
But what if, instead of receiving, each door opened up an opportunity to give?
Enter the Reverse Advent Calendar; a simple yet superbly powerful initiative that reinvents this cherished tradition by inviting children to choose giving over receiving this winter.
Schools and communities are invited to dedicate one-to-two weeks in the lead up to Christmas giving back to those in need. Now in its third year, children learn to practise patience and find joy in gifting, helping them to embrace and spread the true spirit of Christmas.
Through this project, children can bring warmth to their communities, while making a valuable difference to the lives of vulnerable families.
What is the Reverse Advent Calendar?
Jane Current, headteacher at Broom Barns Primary School in Hertfordshire, founded the Reverse Advent Calendar to offer a refreshing twist to the countdown to Christmas.
Instead of receiving a treat each day, children are encouraged to experience the joy of giving and learn that the most meaningful gifts are those they share with others.
The Origins of the Reverse Advent Calendar
Jane’s Reverse Advent Calendar inspired local volunteer Kenny Arnold to expand the initiative further. Motivated by Jane’s vision, Kenny brought the concept to schools across Stevenage and surrounding areas, encouraging them to join in giving back.
Through his passion and dedication, Kenny rallied schools and communities to increase food bank donations for the Foodshed, a Stevenage-based charity supporting families in need.
“We have much better resources in our food bank because of the Reverse Advent Calendar,” Kenny explains. “Food banks often run very low after Christmas, but this initiative keeps them well-stocked throughout the year. I hope the Reverse Advent Calendar continues to grow and reach more people.”
Download the Reverse Advent Calendar Assembly
We’ve developed an assembly to help schools explain the Reverse Advent Calendar and encourage their pupils’ to embrace the values of generosity and community.
And guess what? Because we love to give too, it’s now part of our Assembly Pack, which is completely free for all.
Alongside food donations, the dedicated assembly encourages children to consider other acts of kindness, such as picking up litter and keeping communal spaces clean.
How You Can Get Involved
The Reverse Advent Calendar shows that by joining forces, individuals and wider organisations can make a meaningful difference. Schools across Stevenage, Hertfordshire and beyond have already experienced the positive impact of this project, and its reach continues to grow.
By making this resource accessible, we hope to inspire schools nationwide to build a culture of generosity among young people.
To learn more about bringing this assembly into your school and accessing the free pack, visit the 1decision Assembly Pack portal. Let’s inspire children to make a difference this holiday season.
