Ever feel like you are way behind in the Christmas spirit, fun, preparations and memory-making? That is me. This year. I came in December behind. My mind was filled with all the ideas of things we would do, but it just hasn’t happened. I have a feeling there are a few others feeling the same way. So, I figured I could just give up, get discouraged or jump in right where I am.
Christmas is about so much more than the plans I have made or traditions that I want to keep.
So, feel like you are behind too? Join me in jumping in right where you are and make the next 10 days special.
But remember, don’t add stress to your life. Don’t think…am I the only one not doing an advent calendar? My kids will be scarred. Nope, none of that. This is a no-guilt zone here. Join if you want to or tuck away an idea for next year.
Here are some simple Advent/Countdown Calendars that we use every year that the boys still enjoy:
Time for a Kiss Calendar
My boys love this one. Still. I asked them if they were too old for this and they gave a big NO! I usually have it ready to go on December 1st. This year, it was December 12th. You will need to make one for each child. It is so simple to make and lots of fun for the boys to use:
What You Need:
Saran/Cling Wrap…clear or colored
Hershey Kisses…one for each day up to December 25th
Ribbon
Yeah, the Saran wrap was turned the wrong way.
Directions:
Unroll the cling wrap on a table. You will need space for how Hershey Kisses to make it to December 25th. Leave one or two inches between each to wrap the ribbon.
Place Kisses in the middle of the cling wrap.
Fold one side over and then the other until the Kisses are enclosed.
Cut lengths of ribbon and tie in between each Kiss, as well as the top and bottom. You can make a pretty bow or just tie it.
How to Use It:
Hang it up where your child/children can reach them.
Each day, tell them “it’s time for a kiss” ~ they can unwrap their kiss for the day and enjoy. They can keep track of how many days until Christmas and it is a nice little treat.
**You can also write a little note to be tucked in with the kids to tell your kids they are special or something that you love about them.
Decorate the Christmas Tree Calendar
I first used this when I taught school and the kids loved it. My boys still like this one. You start out with a tree with just numbers. At the end of the month, you have a decorated tree.
What You Need:
Green Construction Paper/Card Stock
Yellow Star
Directions:
Draw a Christmas Tree on green construction paper. I like to fold the paper in half and draw half a tree, then cut it out. 
Write the numbers up to Day 25. Go ahead and start with Day 1 on this one to be able to decorate the tree.
Cut out or draw a star at the top.
Hang this where your child can reach it.
Every day put a round label over the number. {I didn’t realize mine were transparent so the numbers can be seen this year}
For younger children, this will help with learning colors, recognizing numbers and counting.
Mason Jar Countdown { or any jar}
This is a fun way to write down activities that you would like to do…fun traditions. Or you can have kind deeds or ways to surprise others. Or it can be part of the Christmas story that your kids act out with the nativity scene. Or how about just the ways that you love your family.
So, just grab an empty mason jar...any size will do. Decide what you want to add to it…count out the days to Christmas or go until New Year’s Eve to finish out the year.
Every day, pull the slip of paper out and enjoy!
Book Basket ~ A Book a Day
We love books and have so many at our house. I have books for each season and holiday. At Christmas, I pull them out and put them in a basket, on the coffee table or wrap them as a countdown to Christmas. Check out some of our favorites here.
Advent Calendar Box
This is fun to use and very simple ~ you can create a box/boxes or purchase a pre-made one. You can either add a treat in each day for your children or write in an activity that you can do together. It can also be used as a kind deed that you will do for the day.
What is your favorite Advent or Countdown Calendar?
Check out more of our Christmas posts here.
