Christmas Countdown Activities

Okay I am going to admit something... my intentions are great, but sometimes my follow through is lacking. This is something that I am working. Some of the time it is because I haven't planned ahead enough and before I know it is time and I am not ready.

I have been planning and planning some more for Christmas.  One of the things I wanted to do was an activity a day.   Once I had my ideas I printed them off.

I then printed off some cute numbers.  You can find them here.

I used toilet paper rolls to put my activity slips in.

I flattened the roll, slid the slip in and tried it off with twine.  I then attached the date number. 

I am pleased with how they turned out.  Simple, which is exactly what I was going for.  Oh, and inexpensive too!

To keep from falling into my old trap of not being prepared I have everything ready.  All of the activities are together and in a plastic bag labeled with the date and activity. 

When I initially started planning I used one of my handy dandy calendar pages.  That way I was able to plan simple things for school nights. 

In case you are curious this is the list:

December   1 - Make countdown chain
December   2 - Go to Hallmark to buy an ornament
December   3 - Make a wreath out of pom poms
December   4 - Make thank you cards while listening to Christmas music
December   5 - Make a nativity craft
December   6 - Write a letter to Santa
December   7 - Go see Santa
December   8 - Eat popcorn and watch Charlie Brown's Christmas
December   9 - Decorate a gingerbread house
December 10 - Reindeer craft & watch Rudolph
December 11 - Write thank you notes
December 12 - Read Christmas books
December 13 - Perform in a Christmas Program (for school)
December 14 - Rent the Grinch Who Stole Christmas
December 15 - Bake cookies at Grammi's w/ cousins
December 16 - Wrap presents
December 17 - Paint ornaments
December 18 - Buy a new Christmas movie
December 19 - Make pizza in the shape of a Christmas tree
December 20 - Do melting snowman & watch Frosty
December 21 - Make popcorn & drive around to look at lights
December 22 - Go shopping w/ Daddy for Mama
December 23 - Go downtown to see the tree
December 24 - Bake cookies for Santa

Besides this we will also be doing an Advent reading each evening.  I made Ann's last year and we really enjoyed it.  We will be using it again this year. 

Now I am not trying to rush the Christmas season!  I am just trying to make it so I can have a stress free holiday and really reflect on the meaning of the season. 

May your day be filled with joy and contentment!