Advent

Well, here it is.  It's hung a little crooked, and I had a heck of a time hiding the Command hooks I used to mount it (hence the ornament clusters & bows).  But I think it's really cute, and Big Sis is SO excited to open up an envelope each day.  I chose to go with activity based ideas, so I wouldn't have to spend a lot of time scrambling for stuff to put in the envelopes or plan anything too elaborate.  So for the next 24 days, we will (in no particular order):

• Make gingerbread houses.
• Write out Santa Wish Lists.
• Read a Christmas story.
• Watch a Christmas movie.
• Drink hot chocolate with marshmallows from our Christmas mugs.
• Make a Christmas card for someone special.
• Go for a drive to look at Christmas lights.
• Visit Santa!
• Attend the Ward Christmas Party.
• Call Grandma & Grandpa and sing Silent Night or Jingle Bells.
• Make paper snowflakes.
• Color a picture using only red and green crayons.
• Write a Christmas letter to someone who lives far away.
• Bake Christmas cookies.
• Make a present for your brother or sister.
• Make and decorate a Christmas stocking.
• Check out a Christmas book from the library.
• Help make gifts to give our friends.  
• Help make presents for Malaina’s class.
• Make peppermint ornaments for the tree.
• Make chocolate covered pretzels.
• Choose and donate a toy to someone less fortunate.
• Wrap your Christmas presents!
• Make glittered animals for decoration.
• Put on your Christmas PJ’s and go to bed early! 

The making of the calendar took far less brainpower than the planning of the activities. Between Daddy being gone, school, extracurriculars, and strategic planning (no WAY am I taking them to see Santa on a weekend), it took a lot of thought to match the days and the activities.  I think we're in good shape, and Big Sis is already looking forward to coloring a picture with just red & green crayons tonight.