One year, even before I had kids, I bought a wooden advent house at Target in the days after Christmas. It was 50% off at the time and I thought, one day, I am going to use this for something. Unlike most of the stuff I buy with that mantra in my head (read: I'm going to use this usually means this will sit forgotten in my closet), this Christmas countdown house has become our favorite holiday tradition.
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In the days leading up to December, I think of holiday outings, events, and activities that our family can do and put those ideas on little cards inside the doors of the calendar. Every morning, my girls excitedly check to see what holiday activity we will do for the day. Sometimes it is something big that I've planned (going to see a light show or the Nutcracker ballet), but many days it is something quite small (wish a friend happy holidays, tell a holiday joke). I also include activities that give our family a chance to give back or spread kindness and cheer to our community (give a gift to our neighbors, choose toys to donate).
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Of course, you don't need a wooden house to do this activity. You could string cards along your mantle or tape them to the wall. The countdown house isn't what makes this our favorite holiday tradition; doing fun seasonal activities as a family is what makes this special. Below I've included some of our favorite easy activities to give you some ideas if you're interested in doing your own Countdown to Christmas.
1. Decorate your house for the holidays
2. Choose an activity from the Macaroni KID Guide to Holiday Events
3. Have a holiday movie marathon (here's a list of some family favorites here)
4. Find a way to help others with the Ways to Give Back Guide
5. Tell someone a holiday joke
6. Read your favorite holiday book
7. Make paper snowflakes (try these templates to if you're fancy)
8. Put on your pajamas and drive around your neighborhood to see holiday lights
9. Send a card to someone you love
10. Have a candlelit dinner
11. Visit Santa
12. Find gently-used toys to donate to a local organization
13. Go on a Holiday Scavenger Hunt
14. Make cookies (here are some easy cookie recipes)
15. Host a holiday tea party
16. Bring cookies to your neighbors
17. Play Minute to Win It Christmas Games
18. Attend a holiday light display
19. Make gingerbread houses
20. Decorate cards for your teachers
21. Go caroling in your neighborhood
22. Make salt dough ornaments
23. Have a holiday music dance party
24. Help wrap presents
25. Celebrate with family and friends
