Countdown to Christmas!

Elf on the Shelf is one of our favorite Christmas traditions for the whole family! Here is the link to our favorite Elf ideas: _____

Another Christmas favorite! Everyone in the family writes their favorite memories from the year and what they are grateful for.  Include some of the little one's Christmas artwork, and put it in a "Christmas Time Capsule" aka a wrapped present that you open together next Christmas. 

Another one of our favorites! Swap the traditional candy advent calendar with a daily act of kindness! Ideas include: write a thank-you note, donate a toy, feed the birds, or call a grandparent.   Link to our Christmas Kindness Advent Calendar: ________

Make it a friendly family competition! Set a timer, turn up the holiday tunes, and see who can build the silliest, tallest, or most creative gingerbread house.  Have "awards" so everyone wins! 

Link to our awards: _________

One morning in December, transform breakfast into a Christmas wonderland of your choosing with Christmas shaped French toast or pancakes, hot cocoa with marshmallow “snowballs,” and themed headbands, silly glasses, and plates/napkins at the table when the kids wake up. 

Link to our Christmas themed breakfast sets: ______

Pile everyone into the car in their PJs with thermoses of cocoa, print “tickets,” and drive around looking at lights. Play Christmas carols or read the book aloud.

Write things you’re grateful for on paper “snowballs” and toss them around like a gentle indoor snowball fight. Afterward, read them aloud by the tree.

Set up silly “challenges” like wrapping a gift with oven mitts, building a toy tower, or sneaking like a ninja to deliver a gift without being seen.  Additionally, set up a "North Pole Obstacle Course"  Set up an indoor course where kids have to hop like elves, slide down a “chimney” (a tunnel or blanket fort), and deliver gifts across the room.

 Establish a fun "theme" like dress as your favorite Christmas movie character or Christmas pajama day when everyone participates. 

Long ride in the car this holiday?  While driving or walking, use an I-Spy approach to mark off everything you see —like a nativity scene, a blow-up Santa, rainbow lights, or a reindeer with sunglasses.  

Link to our Christmas Light Checklist: _____

Wrap 25 holiday books and open one each night leading up to Christmas. Include cozy favorites, silly reads, and stories about giving.  

Link to our favorite Christmas books and best ways to personalize stories: __________

Designate one afternoon for making homemade cards, gifts, and crafts. Set up a few stations and let creativity run wild.  

Link to our favorite "Santa Workshop Packages": _______

Pick holiday-themed prompts like “Rudolph,” “wrapping presents,” or “singing carols” and act them out. Great for all ages!