Our 2020 Advent Book Basket and Printable Labels {Plus Giveaway!}

by | Nov 23, 2020 | Advent and Christmas, Advent Book Basket, Giveaway | 101 comments

Advent begins this upcoming Sunday! 

The length of Advent always varies from 22-28 days, beginning with the Sunday nearest to the feast of St. Andrew the Apostle (November 30th) and embracing four Sundays. The first day of Advent can fall as early as November 27th or as late as December 3rd. This year Advent begins on Sunday, November 29th.  
Every Advent our family counts down the days until Christmas with picture books, Advent Calendars, and the Jesse Tree. Years ago, when we didn’t have enough Christmas themed picture books to wrap one for each day of Advent, I would check some Christmas books out from the library just before Advent began, using Christmas Mosaic as a guide. We have added many books to our home library since then, giving one Christmas themed book to each of our children on the feast of St. Nicholas, and our collection has definitely grown.  (You can find this year’s St. Nick books here!) 
I currently keep all of our Christmas picture books on the bottom two shelves of a corner bookshelf upstairs in our school room… In the past I have filled our Advent basket with Christmas Mosaic titles and our children’s 35 Favorite Christmas Picture Books. One year I picked twenty-six of MY favorites (although I still find new favorites to add to my list each year!) and one year I left the choosing up to my husband and our oldest daughter. We’ve had great lists the last few years too: 20172018 and 2019.
This year I branched out a bit from the usual and decided to include some other excellent Catholic books that I really wanted to pull off the shelf and read to my children this Advent.  Here is the list: 

Note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

November 29 – 1st Sunday of Advent: The Wonder Story – set up Advent Calendars and Jesse Tree
November 30 – Feast of St. Andrew: Old Testament Rhymes
December 4 – First Friday: In the Candles Glow
December 5 – First Saturday: The Baker’s Dozen – write letters to Christ Child/Saint Nicholas, bake Speculaas or St. Nicholas Cookies, and decorate St. Nicholas Chocolate Coins to give to others
December 6 – 2nd Sunday of Advent – Feast of St. Nicholas: St. Nicholas and the Nine Gold Coins – St. Nicholas Brunch
December 7 – Feast of St. Ambrose: The Attic Saint – Bake a Honeycomb Cake
December 8 – Immaculate Conception: Nikola and the Monk – Decorate Christ Candle
December 9 – Feast of St. Juan Diego: Our Lady of Guadalupe (Pop-Up Book)
December 11: The Christmas Cobwebs
December 12 – Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe: Bambinelli Sunday – Las Mananitas/Holy Mass at Dawn, Our Lady of Guadalupe Brunch, Prepare for Santa Lucia Day
December 13 – 3rd Sunday of Advent/Gaudete Sunday and Feast of St. Lucy: Lucia Saint of Light 
December 16 – Ember Wednesday: Catholic Nursery Rhymes
December 17 – O Sapientia: An Alphabet of the Altar And Other Holies
December 18 – O Adonai and Ember Friday: A Child’s Rule of Life
December 19 – O Radix Jesse and Ember Saturday: Marta and the Manger Straw
December 20 – 4th Sunday of Advent – O Clavis David: Silent Night: The wonderful story of the beloved Christmas carol
December 21 – O Oriens and Winter Solstice: The Angels’ Alphabet
December 22 – O Rex Gentium: Twas’ the Evening of Christmas 
December 23 – O Emmanuel: The First Christmas
December 24 – Vigil of Christmas: The Wonder Days

About five or six years ago I switched to brown paper along with purple and pink ribbon, instead of the original purple and pink wrapping paper I would use years ago… Sometimes I use brown paper bags and sometimes I pick up a roll of brown craft paper from the craft store to use along with the ribbons I reuse every year and our homemade labels!


As always, we’ll unwrap and read one book each night during Advent, following our family rosary. The rest of our book collection will be placed in additional baskets to read during the seasons of Advent and Christmas. 

If you’d like to use my little labels too, you can download my Advent Book Basket Labels for 2020 over at Dropbox.

.: ADVENT BOOK BASKET GIVEAWAY :.

Prize #1: Premium Fabric Felt Advent Calendar (value $34.95) 
**I’ll share a few more pictures of this Advent Calendar soon, and how I’m planning to use it this year!**
 
Congratulations, Nicole Ernest! 
“Great list and ideas! Thank you!”
Prize #2:  Three BRAND NEW books from Ignatius Press!

Congratulations, Tonia!
“Thank you for all of the great inspiration to form our children in thier faith.”

101 Comments

  1. Mindy S McDonald

    Love your book lists!

    2020-11-23 19:16:33

    Reply
  2. XXEnginerd

    Thank you for sharing your book list!

    2020-11-23 19:17:05

    Reply
  3. Heather

    Love this post! Thank you for all of the ideas!

    2020-11-23 19:34:01

    Reply
  4. Nicole

    Great list and ideas! Thank you!

    2020-11-23 19:34:22

    Reply
  5. Laura

    I love Shower of Roses – especially all your booklists! Many of your titles have been read during Advent, Lent, and throughout the year. Thank you so much!

    2020-11-23 19:52:18

    Reply
  6. Brigid

    Your blog is always my first stop for book ideas! At least a few of your suggestions make it into my kids' christmas piles every year.

    2020-11-23 19:58:32

    Reply
  7. Brenna G

    I always look forward to your lists. Thank you!

    2020-11-23 19:59:56

    Reply
  8. Trisha

    Advent must be so exciting at your house!

    2020-11-23 20:08:02

    Reply
  9. Christy

    Love all the books! You’re blog is the first place I go for ideas.

    2020-11-23 20:11:00

    Reply
  10. Autumn Acosta

    This is a great blog, St. Therese is my favorite saint as well. I would love to win any of the prizes, but expecially the books!

    2020-11-23 20:24:33

    Reply
  11. Teresa

    Thank you for sharing your beautiful ideas. The Advent book basket is one of my children's favorite traditions.

    2020-11-23 20:25:59

    Reply
  12. Karen

    Oh, that Advent Calendar is just lovely! My youngest would love it.

    2020-11-23 20:27:50

    Reply
  13. Courtney Brandwein

    Thank you for sharing!! Love your lists!

    2020-11-23 21:56:01

    Reply
  14. Elizabeth

    Love your lists! Thank you for another lovely post and so many great traditions!

    2020-11-23 22:00:27

    Reply
  15. Jenny Wilson

    I have absolutely loved your books lists for years. And we wrap books every advent thanks to you too! It's been getting easier as we own more and more christmas books now and don't have to sniper hold them at the library. 😉

    2020-11-23 22:16:00

    Reply
  16. Elizabeth C.

    Always a wonderful list Jessica. Thank you!

    2020-11-23 22:23:15

    Reply
  17. Kimberly

    Thank you for all your book lists!!! They have helped me fill our shelves with good books for the kids.

    2020-11-23 22:45:04

    Reply
  18. Mary

    Have a blessed and peaceful Advent. Thank you for offering these giveaways.

    2020-11-23 22:51:42

    Reply
  19. giselle

    Thank you for ideas!!

    2020-11-23 23:32:28

    Reply
  20. Annie Rife

    Thank you for posting these every year!

    2020-11-24 00:13:52

    Reply
  21. Joanna Dell

    Love your booklists and thank you for the labels. My son looks forward to unwrapping books every advent.

    2020-11-24 00:15:45

    Reply
  22. Cathy

    Thanks for doing this – all of your give aways are always so amazing. God bless!

    2020-11-24 00:28:51

    Reply
  23. Tracy Bua Smith

    Love these posts and helps me get focused on Advent prep! Thanks Jessica!

    2020-11-24 00:33:03

    Reply
  24. Laura Casey

    Would love 3 new books from Ignatius Press! You can never have too many books, right? Thank you!

    2020-11-24 00:47:29

    Reply
  25. Noreen

    Thanks for a great post! I REALLY LOVE your blog !!!

    2020-11-24 01:11:40

    Reply
  26. Ann

    I too enjoy seeing your book lists to celebrate the liturgical year. Thank you!

    2020-11-24 01:47:12

    Reply
  27. Stephanie Langley

    Thank you for these offerings! God Bless You!

    2020-11-24 01:51:47

    Reply
  28. Joanne

    I always love reading about your Advent book basket. Thanks for the giveaway!

    2020-11-24 01:54:27

    Reply
  29. Heidi

    Wonderful as always!

    2020-11-24 01:58:40

    Reply
  30. Gian

    Books!

    2020-11-24 02:43:36

    Reply
  31. Stacie

    Thank you for your suggestions!

    2020-11-24 02:44:14

    Reply
  32. Mary

    We love your book lists and Catholic traditions!! My oldest loves the Loupio books. Thank you so much for sharing all that you do!

    2020-11-24 02:51:00

    Reply
  33. Alicia

    What a blessing you have been to me in my journey as a Catholic homeschooling mom. Thank you for sharing so generously of your time, talent, and treasure (resources, anecdotes, and inspiration). 🙂

    2020-11-24 03:47:49

    Reply
  34. Dawn

    Thank you for the thoughtful list, ideas and giveaway!

    2020-11-24 04:07:49

    Reply
  35. Laura G.

    Your blog posts give me so much inspiration and ideas in making my family's Advent that much more special. Thank you for sharing them with all of us.

    2020-11-24 04:38:15

    Reply
  36. Kate

    Thank you for sharing again this year! It's now one of my kids' favorite traditions, thanks to you 🙂 God bless you! (PS – the new books in the giveaway look so intriguing!!)

    2020-11-24 04:41:09

    Reply
  37. Brian Pate

    Great prizes!

    2020-11-24 05:01:40

    Reply
  38. Marie G

    Our family has been richly blessed by your booklists. Thank you for sharing them.

    2020-11-24 05:54:18

    Reply
  39. Lillian Smith

    I always love your lists and recommendations!

    2020-11-24 06:54:21

    Reply
  40. Maria

    Thank you for sharing so many wonderful ideas throughout the years!! We have been blessed to incorporate some in our home.

    2020-11-24 07:37:04

    Reply
  41. Heather

    Thank you – you always have the best book recommendations!

    2020-11-24 12:11:09

    Reply
  42. Agnes PROVOST

    Thank for all this ideas! and your suggestions….. God bless you and your family!!!

    2020-11-24 12:59:20

    Reply
  43. Emily

    We have so enjoyed starting this tradition in our home. Thank you for taking the time to share your list!!

    2020-11-24 13:04:09

    Reply
  44. Cami

    Thanks for always sharing these. I look forward to seeing what you have planned.

    2020-11-24 13:43:39

    Reply
  45. Michele

    Great Books!

    2020-11-24 14:17:01

    Reply
  46. AJ W

    I love your book lists! Thank you for this post. I now have a few books to give for Christmas gifts to family and friends 🙂

    2020-11-24 14:32:43

    Reply
  47. Katie Young

    We’re wrapping up our books again this year. It’s been a few years since we’ve done that. Thanks for all your suggestions and tips! God bless you guys!!!

    2020-11-24 14:33:08

    Reply
  48. Dawn

    Thank you, as always, for your wonderful book list and for motivating me to do this again this year with my family even though my children are getting older!! Thank you for always thinking of us and sharing all of your wonderful ideas and taking the time to organize it all for us! God bless and reward you. Wishing you a fruitful Advent season with all of your children at home!

    2020-11-24 15:18:02

    Reply
  49. Nancy

    Your book posts are my absolute favorite of all your posts! I keep wanting to invite myself to your home to spend time looking/reading your books. Blessings to you and your family!

    2020-11-24 15:33:06

    Reply
  50. Liesa Gonzalez

    Everything looks amazing as always!

    2020-11-24 17:06:57

    Reply
  51. Alena Franson

    Thank you for these book lists! They are so helpful to our family!

    2020-11-24 19:20:31

    Reply
  52. Susan

    I use your Advent book labels every year! I'm printing them right now!

    2020-11-24 20:18:01

    Reply
  53. Candice

    Thank you for the chance to win! I would prefer the #2 package if chosen.

    2020-11-24 20:58:39

    Reply
  54. Guest

    Awesome!!

    2020-11-24 21:05:55

    Reply
  55. Karyn Sweet

    I'm feeling like we need Advent even more this year. Thank you for sharing!

    2020-11-24 21:54:43

    Reply
  56. Marion

    Love reading and seeing your book list. Always so helpful. Thank You Marion

    2020-11-24 22:17:38

    Reply
  57. Jodi

    I always look forward to your book lists! Thank you!

    2020-11-24 23:02:13

    Reply
  58. Raquel

    Your book lists have been a great inspiration to me over the years!

    2020-11-25 00:06:36

    Reply
  59. Anna

    Love this idea!

    2020-11-25 02:36:56

    Reply
  60. metalmarine

    I love all your book lists! I reread them every Advent/Christmas

    2020-11-25 02:52:47

    Reply
  61. Alison

    You have such a lovely family and beautiful traditions! Thank you for the inspiration you provide! These new books look fantastic!

    2020-11-25 04:17:49

    Reply
  62. Holly

    It's always fun to read through your book suggestions and get ideas for our family's collection.

    2020-11-25 05:05:07

    Reply
  63. Natalie Brockman

    I love this! Is it too late to start when your youngest is 12 and your oldest has flown the coop?! 😂

    2020-11-25 12:18:32

    Reply
  64. Beth Long

    In years past, I was anxiously putting our advent plans and lists together the day after All Saints Day. This year, today is the day. Your post is perfect timing!

    2020-11-25 13:52:54

    Reply
  65. Shaina

    I don't know how you find so many wonderful new books each year, but I'm very thankful you do! Jessica, you are such a blessing to us all!

    2020-11-25 14:51:23

    Reply
  66. Jessica C

    Another wonderful book list and giveaway!

    2020-11-25 15:14:53

    Reply
  67. Tonia

    Thank you for all of the great inspiration to form our children in thier faith.

    2020-11-25 20:32:12

    Reply
  68. Kimberly

    I look forward to your booklists every year!!! The Advent Basket is a something new I added last year and the kids loved it.

    2020-11-25 21:05:44

    Reply
  69. Rachel

    Thanks for the wonderful ideas and lovely giveaway!

    2020-11-25 23:59:49

    Reply
  70. Elisa

    So many great ideas. Looking forward to seeing a few more to our collection. Thank you for all the recommendations!

    2020-11-26 02:10:01

    Reply
  71. Amy

    Always a great list! And thank you for the printable.

    2020-11-26 04:03:35

    Reply
  72. Alessandra Wal

    Happy Advent!

    2020-11-26 20:33:31

    Reply
  73. Penelope

    Such beautiful books!

    2020-11-27 16:06:58

    Reply
  74. Janice

    Always a great assortment of books and suggestions for all ages. Thank You Jessica.

    2020-11-27 17:45:28

    Reply
  75. Jess

    I would love #1! Also, will you be posting Christmas ideas this year? I look forward to these!

    2020-11-27 20:13:21

    Reply
  76. Jessica Gordon

    I'm working hard to pull the post together!! Hoping to have it finished tonight or tomorrow! 🙂

    2020-11-28 20:54:27

    Reply
  77. Kit

    Looks like I'm adding to our book collection this year 📖

    2020-11-27 21:40:25

    Reply
  78. rcjc

    great book list. thanks for sharing!

    2020-11-28 09:33:00

    Reply
  79. Esther DeWaters

    Thank you for your lists. I always find new books on them to borrow/buy.

    2020-11-28 12:05:42

    Reply
  80. Rebecca

    Love being able to print the labels each year – thank you!

    2020-11-28 16:18:06

    Reply
  81. Christy H

    I am really grateful for all the book lists.

    2020-11-29 02:12:51

    Reply
  82. Annette

    You have the best of all booklists! Thank you for doing the labels every year, too!

    2020-11-29 18:42:41

    Reply
  83. Courtney

    I really enjoy coming to your site – I was sharing on social media long before I found about your amazing giveaways! Thank you for the gift list – esp the men and older teens – they can be tricky!!

    2020-11-29 23:15:42

    Reply
  84. Deborah

    Love your blog and all the Catholic gift ideas especially for children!

    2020-11-30 01:06:57

    Reply
  85. Dianne

    I love how you gift wrapped these!!! Can’t wait!

    2020-11-30 01:45:57

    Reply
  86. Rachel B.

    We love your book labels. We have used them every year. Thank you so much

    2020-11-30 02:14:03

    Reply
  87. Emily Eidem

    Have a blessed Advent!

    2020-11-30 02:30:23

    Reply
  88. Shannon

    What a list! Thanks.

    2020-11-30 02:40:47

    Reply
  89. Natalie

    Every new liturgical season means that I come back to your blog a few times at least! Love that you share all this so it makes it so much easier for so many of us!

    2020-11-30 02:41:04

    Reply
  90. Melissa Sebestyen

    Such a lovely list of books! Thank you for hosting the giveaway!

    2020-11-30 02:52:38

    Reply
  91. D Do

    Awesome post!

    2020-11-30 03:05:21

    Reply
  92. Maura

    Great resources! Thank you!

    2020-11-30 03:10:46

    Reply
  93. Kathleen

    Look forward to these post every year!!! Thank you!!

    2020-11-30 03:14:23

    Reply
  94. Stephanie

    What a beautiful Advent calendar!

    2020-11-30 04:28:45

    Reply
  95. Heather

    I've wrapped up our books for this year, but now I'm going to have a whole new list to look for!

    2020-11-30 04:35:35

    Reply
  96. Lisa C.

    Love all the suggestions! Especially for the older boys, as mine are about the same ages. As for the giveaway, my favorite prizes are #4, #13, #9 and #20. Thanks as always for the beautiful ideas. I have followed you for quite a few years now!

    2020-11-30 05:32:27

    Reply
  97. Valerie

    Thank you for always sharing these! I appreciate the ideas and links so much!

    2020-11-30 05:41:19

    Reply
  98. Kristen Levy

    Hi Jessica! I love your book selection this year! I have a question. Do you buy new books for the Advent book basket and also for The Feast of St. Nicholas or do you just buy new books for The Feast of St. Nicholas and rewrap books each year according to what you want your family to read. I have grown my collection so much from all your awesome suggestions!!! Thank you for sharing!!! Happy Advent! Kris

    2020-12-03 23:02:10

    Reply
  99. Jessica Gordon

    Thank you, Kris! Occasionally I will slip in a new book, but generally I only buy new books for the feast of St. Nicholas and rewrap books from our collection for our Advent Book Basket countdown to Christmas! I try to match the books up with our Advent plans and the upcoming feast days.

    2020-12-04 16:24:38

    Reply
  100. Nancy

    Test

    2021-02-06 03:11:19

    Reply
  101. Jessica Gordon

    Hi Nancy! I am seeing these comments. Hope it's working for you!

    2021-02-06 03:35:26

    Reply

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