I think advent calendars are such a fun way to countdown to Christmas and also a creative way to incorporate some family holiday spirit. My mom passed down my childhood advent calendar (this retro wall hanging with pockets numbered 1-24 and you move a mouse into each number) and I’m going to add activities and little trinkets into the pockets to make it even more fun. I’ve rounded up some of my favorite advent calendars in the below (click through to get to the original DIY source or where you can purchase) and have included some fun advent calendar activities to we’ll be doing below. Calendar above from The Land of Nod.
Decorate the Christmas tree.
Watch a Christmas movie (my faves: Love Actually, Christmas Vacation, and Elf).
Watch an old school Christmas cartoon with Charlie (Frosty, Rudolph, Charlie Brown, etc.)
Make an ornament to hang on the tree.
Make Christmas cookies.
Mail holiday cards.
Download a new Christmas song.
Go to the movies (this year Frozen is our family friendly holiday film)
Sing Christmas carols.
Go see Christmas lights in the neighborhood.
Have a holiday date night.
Make Hot Chocolate and Homemade Marshmallows
Have Charlie choose one of his toys to donate to a less fortunate child. (teaches giving and sharing)
Bake something for neighbors.
Make a wreath and hang it.
Make a popcorn garland
Read The Night Before Christmas.
Have a Christmas song dance party (All I Want For Christmas Is You)
Go to The Grove for fake snow (or drive to the mountains to see real snow).
Read and watch How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
Go see the Zoo lights.
Go to Disneyland during the holiday season.
Open a gift (usually new pajamas for Christmas night)
Participate in a toy or coat drive.
Host a holiday party.
Try a new holiday cocktail.
Light a yummy smelling holiday candle.
Sit on Santa’s lap.
Get a family photo by the Christmas tree.
What are your favorite advent calendar ideas? Will you be doing one with your family?
