Little lady is almost 3 so this year we are talking a little more about the meaning of Christmas. To reinforce the idea of giving and helping during the holiday season I decided to make an advent calendar. I remember those cardboard ones when I was little, a piece of candy every day leading up to the big day. I loved those! But I thought I’d focus on fun activities we can do each day vs. just candy.
Here is what I used for this relatively easy project:
Plywood (32″ x 40″)
Fabric to cover the board
Twine
Clothespins
Glycine bags (affiliate link)
Washi tape and other decorations for bags and title
I covered the board in fabric then added 4 strings of twine. I numbered and decorated each bag then attached them to the twine on the board. I added a simple “Christmas is Coming” title on top using the same decorations from the bags.
In each bag I put an activity. I got some great ideas Money Saving Queen, I wanted to focus on fun activities that would help Little lady learn about giving and those who are less fortunate. I also want her to learn more about the Christian meaning behind Christmas. I did some planning with these cards. I looked at my calendar to make sure each activity was doable on the day it occurred so she wouldn’t have to wait.
Here is the full list of activities in no particular order:
- Make popcorn and watch a Christmas movie
- Bake Christmas cookies
- Pick out a toy for Toys for Tots
- Special treat! Hot cocoa with marshmallows
- Special treat after dinner
- Decorate a gingerbread house
- Gather toys/clothes to donate
- Read a Christmas book
- Read Luke 2
- Make a Christmas craft
- Make a card for someone and mail it
- Go for a drive and look at Christmas lights
- Make an ornament
- Make a garland
- Wrap Christmas presents
- Make cookies for Santa
- Have family game night
- Deliver a treat to Daddy at work
- Color a Christmas picture
- Make a gift for someone special
- Visit Santa
- Read a story about the birth of Jesus
- Watch a Christmas movie
- Play in the snow
I also added a sticker, fruit snacks, or a sucker to each bag.
Little Lady has been staring at this board, anxious to see what’s inside, she can’t wait!
Do you use an Advent or countdown calendar in your home? I’d love to hear how you do it.
Thanks for visiting!
You may find me linking up here:
Easy Chalkboard Countdown | Creative Ramblings
Saturday 4th of January 2014
[…] helps her prepare and get excited for the next big thing. We counted down to Christmas with a big Advent Calendar, then used a small calendar to countdown to her birthday. Next up is the countdown til her new […]
DearCreatives (@DearCreatives)
Thursday 5th of December 2013
Such a cute idea! Pinning to my Christmas board. Hope you had a great Thanksgiving. Hope to see you again this week. Theresa
Sarah
Thursday 5th of December 2013
Thanks Teresa, we're having lots of fun with it.
Britni Newton Vigil
Sunday 24th of November 2013
I love the idea of doing fun activities together instead of giving candy and presents, time is so much more important. I did something similar for a Thanksgiving/November advent calendar.Thanks for sharing on the weekend re-Treat link party!
Britni @ Play. Party. Pin.
Marie
Saturday 16th of November 2013
Such a wonderful idea. I'm going to pin this just for ideas of things to do with the kids! I'm not sure I will actually make the countdown calendar itself, but there's always hoping I find the time to do so!
Sarah
Tuesday 19th of November 2013
Doing the activities is the best part, have fun Marie. Thanks for visiting.