First, I would like to point out that the funny pic of Carson at the bottom of the last post has an subtle yet humorous detail. He puts his flip-flops on himself and rarely gets the little toe-strap in the right place. Look closely. :)
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As I mentioned in a previous post, we've been looking for ways to really relish the Christmas season without getting caught up in consumerism and big presents. A friend gave me a book as a baby shower gift about establishing traditions with your family. There was one idea that I loved and we decided to implement this year--hopefully to repeat again next year! Each day counting down to Christmas, we have a slip of paper that tells us something we will do together as a family that day. This took some planning!
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I googled around a couple months ago and came up with a pretty good list. I was able to find a bunch of people who do this, and they shared their ideas. Also, I'm always looking for someway to be crafty this time of year, so I wanted to MAKE an advent calendar/countdown. I found a way to make it myself and it was really affordable. I found a die cut (how do you spell that? Die? Dye?) at my craft store for these little paper boxbags. I was able to get 4 out of one piece of scrapbook paper. So, I only needed 7 pieces of paper--and some of them were double sided. Then I bought 5 spools of ribbon at 75 cents/per. I already had 2 cheapo fake pine garlands from Michael's. Oh, and one sheet of stickers for $1.99. VOILA!
We were supposed to start yesterday, but since Carson was at Mimi's in the evening (which is when most of the activities take place) we decided to wait until today.*
Day #1 of countdown was: make SNOW in the house!
Some other things coming are popcorn and movie night, buy a toy for the toy drive, go see Christmas lights, make a gingerbread house (you know I'll have pics of that one), dress up fancy for dinner, have a dance party (thanks Sarah for that idea!), and have hot chocolate with all the fixins. So, we'll see how it goes!
Some other things coming are popcorn and movie night, buy a toy for the toy drive, go see Christmas lights, make a gingerbread house (you know I'll have pics of that one), dress up fancy for dinner, have a dance party (thanks Sarah for that idea!), and have hot chocolate with all the fixins. So, we'll see how it goes!
14 comments:
That is SO cute...I love the whole idea!
You have to read my post. You can go ahead and steal my picture of Martha. You deserve it more than me!
I LOVE the idea!!!!!! Very creative on your part--and amazing memories for the family for years to come!
That is fabulous! I am going to have to start planning this for next year....I can't wait to hear some of your ideas. Brilliant. Right now we just have the silly chocolate advent calender...at least we read it and eat the chocolate together, right?
this is so fabulous!!!!
this is so fabulous!!!!
You rock! I'm always trying to put activities together for the girls and I LOVE that this all coincides with Christmas countdown. What a great way to connect it all. I hope you're not offended that the rest of us are gonna be on this bandwagon next year!:)
Such a good mommy you are! I love your creative ideas. I got the trader joes advent calender and thought I was something.(: At least Nate is learning some numbers... right?! I do love the traditions and you have inspired me to think up some of our own. Tis the season to steal the creative genius of our dearest of friends.(: Love you.
Love the boxes and the ideas! They turned out beautifully. Carson's expression as he looks at his completed snowflake is begging for a caption!
I can almost hear Tevye singing TRADITION! to the villagers of Anatevka in Fiddler on the Roof! Hope you share more pix of the fun!
I LOVE this idea Jen!!! Just Love it.
Will you be willing to post your list of things to do? make it easier for us who aren't as crafty and creative so next year we can make it our own?
Wow....wish we could start this year...hmmmm maybe we will just start a week late.
:-)
Looks great Jen! That cheap garland at Michael's is the best! I love the snow in the house idea. We did that in college one year. We've started off our family advent activities with decorating the tree for the last two days and dancing. He's really been into it. Thanks for passing along your idea. You know me and traditions!
You are so cute! This is something I'm waiting until next year to do, but I was just going to buy one- yours was such a good idea and so crafty! You should be proud!!! Sorry it didn't work out to hang out yesterday- we have to get together soon though! Love you guys!
This is super fun, and you will love the feeling of soaking up the season with doing something every night. That's awesome.
Jen, you could do the 12 days of Christmas, and that gives you a few more days to get your ideas in order!
Really, will you be my family activity planner? :) I am totally racking my brain on how to implement some form of this ... I don't really need sleep, do I?
Love love love it!!
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