I've been asked several times for this so here it goes. It's really nothing special and like most things in my life I keep it pretty simple. It's something I started a few years ago because I wanted to create special traditions with my kids and since we travel every year for Christmas I felt like my kids didn't have any Christmas traditions at home ..... and that started the fun crazy tradition of our advent.
I take my list and then I print out a calendar and look at all the activities we have going on (Todd's travel schedule, Christmas parties, driving to California, etc) and then I write up a schedule that I think will work. Keeping simple ones on days that we are really busy. Gift from the Elves is a life saver - it can be socks, pjs, treats, anything from the dollar store.
I buy most of the stuff at once - construction paper for the rings, cards for the missionaries, puzzle, socks, pj's etc.
Here is a list of ideas I use:
Christmas
Advent
Decorate the tree
Acts of service
Write letters to Santa
Hot cocoa night
Read your favorite Christmas story and cuddle
Make treats and visit a neighbor
Go see Christmas lights
Make a big breakfast while listening to Christmas
music
Read the Christmas story from the scriptures
Sing and Dance to Christmas music
Make Ornaments
Christmas Craft
Buy and donate toys
Draw Secret Santa names
Give out Christmas light awards
Family Game Night
Make and decorate cookies
Tell your favorite story of Jesus
Decorate Gingerbread houses
Backwards dinner.
Start with dessert first and wear your clothes backwards
Christmas Puzzle
Christmas Concert
Watch your favorite Christmas movie
Pictures with Santa
Kids Choice
Act out the Nativity
Make paper chains
Make paper snowflakes
Gift from the Elves
Gift from the Elves
Make cookies for Santa
Write Christmas Cards for Missionaries
Doorbell Ditch Treats
Christmas Photo Booth
Christmas Light Scavenger Hunt
Photo Scavenger Hunt
12 Days of Christmas Workout
Read the Grinch and eat grinchy treats
Christmas PJ’s
Christmas Socks
Invite a family over for dinner
Have a candlelight dinner
Make treats and doorbell ditch
Gift from the Elves
Make Reindeer Food
Read a Christmas Story by the Fireplace
Some pictures from last year's activities:
