Hey hey hey, how was your weekend? We celebrated an early Thanksgiving with my side of the family, then hunkered down for an early Winter storm. It’s crazy to have this kind of weather already, but I love any excuse to stay home, in pajamas, all day. I took advantage by setting our Thanksgiving table, and starting on the Christmas decor. It’s like Merry Thanksgiving around here.
Counting down the days until Christmas is so fun with kids, and creating new Advent Calendars has become a tradition for us. I just realized that December 1st is next week, so I whipped up a quick and simple one using supplies I had on hand. I’ve been a lot more elaborate in year’s past, but really all the kids care about is the daily surprise. You like how I rationalize?
This is tricky…try to keep up. Apply stickers to the bags…
Write or type the surprise activities on scraps of paper and insert in the envelopes…
We decided we like to watch the days dwindle down, so I taped the envelopes to our fridge with more washi tape. I put them out of order so they kids have to search a little. Watching them race to find their daily surprise is one of my favorite things during the holidays.
I’ve got some nosy peekers already, but they’ll just have to wait.
I think this might actually be my best system yet. With two kids, it’s difficult to put treats and prizes for both of them in small containers. This year, each envelope contains a special Christmas activity, or a riddle leading them to a treat hidden somewhere in the house.
Just a tip: Put reminders in your phone so you’ll know the days and locations you’re supposed to hide treats. And make sure to check the calendar before choosing activities…it doesn’t end well when you accidentally put ‘Stay up late for a Christmas movie’ on a school night. Just sayin’.
Do you have an Advent Calendar for your kids, hubby, or even yourself? It’s not too late to crank this easy one out!