The holiday season is upon us all and I’m sure we’re all feeling the hustle and bustle of getting things ready for the family. Getting holiday gifts for loved ones, decorating the house and spending lots of time with family can be overwhelming. Last year I spent some time developing an individualized advent calendar for my children. I will link that here (Last years advent activities). The family advent activities were small things that we could do together as a family and get some special time with our children to slow down the hectic moments. This year, I am pulling some of the same activities for my family and adding in a few new ones.
Dec 1: Decorate the family Christmas Tree
Dec 2: New Book: Look and Be Grateful by Tomie DePaola. We are trying to teach our 3 year old how to be appreciative.
Dec 3: Read the story of the Birth of Jesus
Dec 4: Make and a paper chain to decorate the tree
Dec 5: Mess-Free Glitter Christmas Tree and Gingerbread house by Melissa and Doug
Dec 6: Hang the felt Christmas tree and ornaments
Dec 7: New Book: Kindness to share from A to Z
Dec 8: Have a dance party with Christmas Music
Dec 9: Local zoo light event
Dec 10: Make homemade cinnamon rolls for breakfast
Dec 11: Winter Snow Dough- this was a huge hit last year so I have to repeat it!
Dec 12: Make Hot Chocolate
Dec 13: Decorate Christmas cards for the police and fire men and women
Dec 14: Donate 2 toys each to another child or organization
Dec 15: New Book: Llama Llama Holiday Drama
Dec 16: Bake Christmas cookies for friends
Dec 17: Go ice skating- I received skates last year and never got to use them. So, what better excuse than to take our 3 year old for the first time!
Dec 18: Paint with cookie cutters
Dec 19: New Book: Pete the Cat Save Christmas
Dec 20: Have holiday Sprinkles on our Waffles for dinner (Waffle Wednesday is a tradition at our house instead of Taco Tuesday)
Dec 21: Bake and cake for Jesus’ Birthday
Dec 22: Drive around and look at the lights
Dec 23: Watch a Christmas movie
Dec 24: Attend Christmas Eve Mass
Dec 25: Celebrate Christmas with our family!
I’m excited to bring out the Advent calendar again this year. Our three year old is just starting to understand the holiday and I’m looking forward to showing her how to help others out during this season. It is important to show children how they can be Christ like throughout the whole year, but especially during the celebration of the birth of Christ.
Do you do anything special with your family during this time of year? What are some of your favorite traditions? I hope this holiday season is filled with lots of special blessings for all of you!
confidentandfitmom 