I can’t believe it’s already Christmas time! Time seems to be flying by these days, so I wanted to make sure that my family is able to relax and enjoy the little things that make the holiday season so special.
Over the weekend we went and picked out our perfect tree. We ditched our fake tree this year and decided to see if Mitch and Sutton’s allergies will be able to handle a real tree again. So far, so good! We spent most of the weekend taking our time and enjoying the slow pace of putting up all the ornaments and decorations.
I wrapped all of our holiday books into 24 packages, and we will let the boys take turns choosing and opening a package each night before bedtime. I’ve been collecting holiday books since Sawyer was a baby, and usually I introduce a new book each day, but this is the first year I’ve actually wrapped them – the boys are SO excited to open them already!
It didn’t occur to me to take any pictures of the process until I was wrapping the very last book, which just happens to be my favorite! A vintage T’was the Night Before Christmas circa 1965. I just adore these classic illustrations – I definitely have a weakness for vintage children’s books!
I haven’t finished assembling our advent calendar yet, but I thought I’d post the list of activities in case anyone was looking for some inspiration. There are more than 24 activities, but some can be combined (popping popcorn and staying up late, for example). Also, we celebrate both Christmas and Hanukkah in our home, so you’ll see some activities for both holidays. Likewise, I tend to keep our activities less religious and more family-oriented to promote sharing, good will and togetherness 🙂
- Bake a cookie cake (for Daddy’s birthday)
- Write letters to Santa
- Porcelain dough ornaments
- Have a hot chocolate party
- Choose toys to donate
- Watch How the Grinch Stole Christmas
- Tissue paper wreaths
- Eat dinner by candlelight
- Stay up an hour late
- Wrap presents
- Bake cookies for friends and neighbors
- Decorate gingerbread houses (cheat with graham crackers!)
- Play holiday Yahtzee
- Make pinecone birdfeeders
- Do something nice for someone
- Play Go Fish
- Make solstice lanterns
- Go on a holiday light drive
- Christmas tree pizza for dinner
- Play the dreidel game
- Family movie night
- Homemade games night
- Bake treats for Santa
- Family art: fingerprint drawings
- Decorate paper gingerbread men
- Cut paper snowflakes
- Have a popcorn party
- Make holiday colored window stars
- Sing Christmas carols
- Play with Insta-Snow
- Make coffee filter flowers & deliver them to a nursing home
- Make s’mores
- Go ice skating
- Turn on holiday music and have a dance-off
Heidi Kundin, the vibrant force behind Happiness is Homemade, has captivated the hearts of millions with her colorful and inspiring approach to crafting, celebrations, and family fun. With 15 years of experience, Heidi’s website has become a must-visit destination for those seeking fresh and engaging ideas. Her warm personality shines through her posts, inviting readers to join her on a creative journey that’s not only fun but also achievable and budget-conscious. As a mother of three, Heidi expertly balances family life and her passion for creativity, proving that with a little imagination and dedication, happiness truly can be homemade!
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