🎄 The Advent Tradition My Kids Race Out of Bed For

And why it’s perfect for homeschool families

Some Advent traditions are sweet. Some are sentimental.
And then there are the rare few that make your children literally race each other out of bed before the sun comes up.

Last year, we were gifted a puzzle-style Advent calendar completely by surprise. A true surprise! It showed up as an Amazon delivery with no information on the sender. I figured it would be a fun little countdown activity that I would get to do every day before the kids woke up with a warm cup of coffee myself.

But what I didn’t expect was how magical it would become for the kids!

Every morning in December, I’d hear the quiet shuffle of little feet on the stairs long before anyone else woke up. My kids would tip-toe down to the table, still sleepy-eyed, eager to see who would solve the day’s puzzle piece first. No reminders needed. No “come on guys, let’s get going!”

Just pure excitement.

It became our cozy morning ritual with a blend of curiosity, focus, and childhood wonder before breakfast had even started.

And because each day’s puzzle is a mini STEM challenge, it naturally slid into our homeschool rhythm. A festive, brain-building activity disguised as holiday fun? Yes, please.

This year, the kids loved it so much we had to add two more to the lineup. Everyone wanted their own.

So if you’re a homeschooling family (or just love a good Advent tradition), these puzzle calendars are one of my favorite recommendations magical, hands-on, and surprisingly enriching.

Advent puzzles come in a few styles: 

• 24 sets of puzzle pieces that make up a rectangular square portion of the puzzle that you build upon every day. 
• 24 sets of individual puzzles that may/may not make up one big picture
• 12 days of Christmas for the 12 Days of Christmas countdown

Also, if you're wondering where you have space to set these puppies up it's evolved over time. Currently, half of my dining room table is a puzzle and a foldable card table houses another. You can also use one of these rotating puzzle boards as well to easily transport it wherever you may need to during the day. The individual puzzles are nice if you just want to build and then put away short after. Or if multiple kids want to build/rebuild.

Here are a few of our favorites by category.

🧩 Our Favorite Advent Puzzle Calendars: 24 days that build one giant puzzle

Just to note: as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. There's no additional charge for you, but it does help us earn a little bit as we produce our podcasts. Thank you!

⭐ Inn at Christmas - Red Truck with a Christmas Tree

Find it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/4iyp4eo 

Why we love it:

• Daily mini puzzles that build into a complete scene

• Perfect for multi-age siblings

• Quick but satisfying brain challenge

• No Santa in the design (if you have that preference)

• Great for December morning routines

⭐ Nativity Scene

Find it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/4pbtKtj 
Why we love it:

• Keeps the Nativity of Christ at the Center of Advent

• Daily mini puzzles that build into a complete scene

• Perfect for multi-age siblings

• Quick but satisfying brain challenge

• Great for December morning routines

⭐ Christmas Cheer 

Find it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/3Y1e4N2 

Why we love it:

• It's so festive and easy to do

• Nostalgic design

• Encourages focus, patience, and problem-solving

• Adds a calming, cozy moment to the day

⭐ Nutcracker

Find it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/4pcFprK 

Why we love it:

• It's so festive and traditional

• Beautiful artwork

• Ideal for a slightly older audience

⭐ Christmas Countdown with Santa and Friends

Find it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/4pgv26f 

Why we love it:

• Santa, Rudolph, Penguins, Reindeer and other Christmas friends

• Not religious

• Ideal for the kids of all ages

⭐ 24 Days of Puppies

Find it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/48ia94E 

Why we love it:

• Non-traditional

• Ideal for those who love furry friends

• Kids of all ages will find it entertaining!

Advent Calendars made up of 24 sets of individual puzzles

⭐ Modern Nativity

Find it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/4pKvuJH 

Why we love it: 

• Christ-centric with a new puzzle every day

• Great for all ages

• High quality puzzles from Eurographics

⭐ Christmas Town Fair

Find it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/3KuqlGP 

Why we love it: 

• A new puzzle every day

• A good mix of modern and tradition; great for all ages

• High quality puzzles from Eurographics

⭐ Around the World - Winter Scenes

Find it on Amazon here

Why we love it: https://amzn.to/4pgv26f 

• Works easily with a Christmas Around the World theme

• Modern puzzle aesthetic; great for all ages

• High quality Ravensburger puzzle

⭐ Donuts for Christmas

Find it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/4oBdssh 

Why we love it: 

• Who doesn't love donuts?

• Not traditional or religious

• If Amazon is a little pricey, Costco sometimes carries this brand of Advent Puzzle online at costco.com 

12 Days of Christmas Puzzle Countdown

⭐ Christmas Puppies - 12 Days of Christmas (December 13-24)

Find it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/49VbZts 

Why we love it:

• It's 12 puzzles that join into 1 large puzzle

• Whimsical and fun for all ages

⭐ Christmas Market Scenes - 12 Days of Christmas (December 13-24)

Find it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/442RAiq 

Why we love it:

• Captures the magical German ChristKindlMarkt (great learning opportunity / mini-unit study) amongst others

• 12 puzzles in total (80 pieces each)

• Fun for all ages

Why These Are Especially Great for Homeschool Families

Aside from the magic and excitement, I love these calendars because they:
✔ Add a low-prep STEM activity to the day
✔ Encourage independent work
✔ Support fine-motor skills and pattern recognition
✔ Create a shared family ritual kids look forward to
✔ Replace sugar-filled countdowns with something meaningful

And honestly? Watching your kids come downstairs early, excited to start the day with something peaceful and creative — it’s one of those small joys that makes December feel extra special.

If you grab one, let me know which puzzle your kids pick!

Wishing you a cozy, joy-filled Advent season. 🎄🧩