Some of us remember a time before the T.V. was the center of our family room and home life. For others, the T.V. has always been the center of evening activities. But no matter what generation you grew up in, watching T.V. is now often the activity that brings us all together. Well, sort of.

Let’s not make this complicated because we all know we need some freedom from the screen. But, what is there to do? Don’t fear! Here are 10 things to do that are better than watching T.V. Pick one activity for tonight, check out the attached links, and tell us how it goes! 

1.Go to sleep. If you’re like my husband and me, you often stay up way past your bedtime because you get lost in a T.V. show and you want to watch just one more episode. But, that episode is one hour long and you’re already tired. That show may be good, but sleep is better. If you find yourself saying, “just one more,” let that be your cue to get ready for bed.

2. Listen to a whole music album. How long has it been since you listened to a whole music album from beginning to end? There is something wonderful about listening to one music artist telling a story through his/her music.

If you don’t know which music album to start with, this is the perfect time of year to check out Andrew Peterson’s, “Behold the Lamb of God” album. “Behold the Lamb of God” is Peterson’s Advent album which tells the story from creation to Christ’s birth. Advent starts on December 1st, so this is the perfect evening activity to learn the story of Scripture and behold Christ’s magnificent birth.

3. Play a game. Dust off an old board game, bring out a few snacks, and start playing!

4. Throw a ball. Now that you can watch a marathon of T.V. with no commercial breaks, there is no opportunity to talk with your friends or family for even five minutes in between shows. One of the drawbacks of watching T.V. is lack of connection to the real people around us. So, if you’re feeling distant from the person five feet away from you, try throwing a ball and asking a question.

5. Stretch. If you are in the habit of skipping your post-workout stretch, the evening is the next best time to stretch out. Check out RevWell TV for restorative stretching videos. With RevWell TV you get soul-care and body care all in one!

6. Reflect on your day/week. The Examen is a practice you can do individually or with a group of people. It is a contemplative prayer to discern God’s presence, review your day (the good and the bad), and seek His direction. This is truly a prayer practice that invites you to feel your feelings, but be transformed by the truth of the gospel. Learn more on the Pray as You Go App!

7. Do something creative. You know that craft you’ve been dreaming about all week at work? Plan a craft night, gather your friends, and get crafty!

8. Go for a walk. We challenge you to go for a walk with a friend, your spouse, or yourself. Evening walks can allow for fruitful conversation, internal contemplation, and joyful play.

9. Clean something. Okay, I know the last thing you want to do in the evening is clean. But, what if 15 minutes of cleaning each evening cut back on cleaning time on the weekend? When you get home from work, throw some dirty clothes in the laundry, hit play on your favorite playlist or podcast, and unload your dishwasher.

For more ideas on how to stay on top of chores, check out Leah Case’s blog post, “5 Tasks to Stay on Top of Chores.”

10. Read a book aloud. This may sound elementary, but reading aloud is so good for your imagination, your attention span, and your joy.  Gather your family and friends and choose a book, or better yet select a whole series to read aloud.

You can read aloud in a variety of ways depending on your group. Maybe your uncle who is great at doing impressions will choose to read exclusively. Or, maybe your whole group will alternate readers; passing one book from hand to hand throughout the evening. However, you choose to read your book aloud, don’t be afraid to get creative by creating voices for each character or bringing in props to delight your friends.

My husband and I are currently reading the “Chronicles of Narnia” by C.S.Lewis. There are many other wonderful series to choose from! Let your imagination run wild and your joy soar!

In the comments below, share which RevTip you’ll use first! What do you and your family usually do in the evening? 

Gabrielle Wenos is a Staff Writer and Blog Manager at Revelation Wellness. She loves running, reading, and writing. She and her husband are moving to Wyoming at the beginning of December! You can catch updates on her travels on Instagram and Facebook!

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Celebrate Advent and Christmas with Revelation Wellness! Each week, we’ll email you an Advent Devotional from the Revelation Wellness Blog! The weekly blog is an interactive Rev-style Advent Devotional. You’ll be guided to read Scripture aloud, reflect and journal on a selected passage, move your body in joy, and pray in common prayer. Also, DOWNLOAD our Advent Calendar to use with your family and friends throughout the month!