My cousin Sophia got me started in my very own OCD over the planning and preparation of an advent calendar. In years past, I've calculated, made lists and upgraded the Advent Calendar beyond all recognition. Through trial and error (the one when Farley ate the Advent Calendar) we've learned to put the Advent Calendar up high. We've also learned, to Ricardo's dismay, that chocolate kisses each day in December (there's two in each Advent Calendar Bag) is what seems to be the only motivation for waking up early these days.
After a lengthy discussion about budget and how fortunate we really are, Max and Lucy CHOSE to bypass the Advent Calendar this year and put that money towards helping a family. I know, they're little saints, and you probably just threw up in your mouth a little bit. But seriously, they did.
We will indeed keep with the chocolate kisses and a countdown number each day because chocolate for breakfast is a Christmas necessity here. And if for only one month out of the year, it's fun to have someone else be morning folk over here.
Still, I thought it would be fun to share some of the Advent Calendar ideas. The last couple of years, we've worked in Community Services. If you choose that route, I recommend starting off with a community service. You start off with a big toy or activity, and the expectations and then let-down factor when you get to a community service day, well, it's not the reaction of spreading Christmas cheer you were going for. Go community service first, make them earn the rest, and maybe sprinkle a few more good deeds throughout.
Traditionally, this particular secular Advent Calendar (for kids) starts Dec. 1. (per Wikipedia and me.) But it's never too late to spread some holiday cheer! Whoever thought the Advent Calendar up had one idea - little trinkets to help countdown to Christmas, and stave off those kids for 24 days. It really is a fun family activity.
So, here are 24 ideas to kick off your Advent Calendar.
1. Community service: take all your coats and wintery stuff that's too small and donate it. make them round it up, and go with you to donate it.
2. Movies.
3. Make Christmas cookies
4. Christmas book
5. Christmas pajamas (we always do this one Christmas Eve)
6. Community service: Bell Ringers!
7. Toe socks or Christmas socks of some sort
8. This is kind of cheating, but do it anyways: "School Christmas Program!"
9. Christmas Puzzle
10. Take Baby A shopping for a gift for Baby B.
11. Take Baby B shopping for a gift for Baby A.
12. Take kids shopping for Dad
13. Take kids shopping for Mom
14. Cocoa and Christmas lights. Drive around town.
15. Nutcracker!
16., 17., 18., Friday night movies and jammies - watch your favorite Christmas movie. Our favs are ELF, Christmas Story, and Grinch.
19. Durham Museum for Omaha - or a fun museum with a big ol Christmas tree.
20. Take food to the downtown ice skating rink and the foodbank and go ice skating
21. Christmas craft
22. Take those cookies you made to the neighbors or friends
23. Community service: clear out books and any games y'all don't read or play and take them to Children's Hospital.
24. Christmas cards/pictures/letters
That's how we roll.
Do you do an Advent Calendar? Other ideas?
Song of the Day: 12 Days of Christmas by Straight No Chaser
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