Christmas Activities Advent Calendar Idea!

{photo credit: All Things Simple}

I've always wanted to do some sort of advent calendar with the kids to count down the days until Christmas, but I never liked the idea of them expecting candy everyday, and as we had more children I had a hard time thinking up something that included them all.....I mean, how many advent calendars even include 5 chocolates a day?  ;)

I found this idea for an advent calendar back in October on Pinterest and have been excited about it since!  It's an "experience" advent calendar, so that the month of December is filled with things to do together.....reading books, baking cookies, sledding.....normal "Christmasy" and Winter things.  I love that it will keep things all spaced out through the month, but also make sure we do those important family things that can get forgotten about in the busy holiday season.

Kim at All Things Simple includes a list of their activities.  I also saw in the comments, someone suggested....calling a grandparent in another state and sing a Christmas carol -- love that!  I'm sure we'll use a day to make teacher gifts, and another to watch Elf (such a good movie)!

I don't have an advent calendar, so I just planned on putting the little cards into a pretty jar, and maybe even including it as part of our table centerpiece.  We'll just pick one each day and I think the kids are going to love counting down to Christmas this way!  I know I am.  =)


Here are some other ideas I've come across recently too.....

• Here are 10 great advent calendar ideas...different ways to present the daily "treat"...I think the little mitten garland is darling!
• I'm really loving this advent idea too......scriptures read each night with little gifts and activities to go along with it! Such a great teaching opportunity!
• I also am crazy about this advent idea to encourage my kids to "give, serve, and help others"!