Tis the Season!

This is my last official National Blog Posting Month post. As you recall, (and I'm sure you don't) I missed November 1st, so I'm doing December 1st instead. I feel like Martha Stewart lately, although much nicer and more animated. I'm getting lots of fun projects done. One involves an advent calendar for the kids to do. I've been looking for one for a few years, but haven't come across the perfect thing. So I settled on this one from Target. I like that it has the Nativity scene on top and isn't too big. BTW, it's $19 on the website right now with free shipping. I paid $25 for it in the store. They have a few other designs too.

Because I wanted it to be more than a chocolate-a-day until Christmas experience, I typed up several activities and ideas that tie in with the family traditions we usually do. I also wanted to focus on the real meaning of Christmas and the Savior. Here's what's behind each little door:

December 1^st – I hope you like opening a new door on your calendar every day. I love you so much and want you to feel the real spirit of Christmas. It’s a spirit of love, friendship, hope, and joy. Let’s talk about why we celebrate Christmas. And you may have a sweet treat because you’re neat!

December 2^nd – Ask Mom to find the Christmas books and read you some. See if there are ones you remember. Hayden, which ones can you read to yourself? Jillian, can you read some to Kara?

December 3^rd – Color a picture to send to Grandma Catie. Maybe you could draw a snowman or a Christmas tree!

December 4^th – How was your first art class today? I hope you had fun! Here’s a chocolate. Dad will be gone tonight, so let’s watch a movie together. Maybe a Christmas movie!

December 5^th – Ask Mom for a special Christmas craft to do. It’s the ward party tonight. Do you think Santa will be there? Only 20 more days until Christmas!

December 6^th – Did we get our tree today and get it all decorated? YEAH! When you’re all ready for bed, turn out all the lights except the tree lights and enjoy the beautiful tree. You may want to lay down for this.

December 7^th – It’s Sunday today. Of course you need a chocolate! And we need to sing some Christmas carols. Let’s also read from the new Friend magazine. I’ll bet there are some great Christmas stories in there.

December 8^th – For family night tonight we are going to get gifts for the kids we “adopted” for Christmas. I want you to try and feel that special feeling you get when you serve others. Enjoy picking out some great toys!

December 9^th – How’s the tree looking? Does it need some water? How are you doing? Do you need some chocolate? Let’s make some snowflakes to hang on the window.

December 10^th – Wow! We’re down to 15 days already! That will fly by. Let’s start making some goodies for our friends and neighbors today. Should we make some fudge?

December 11^th – Dad is leaving for a short trip today. Make sure to give him hugs and kisses. Let’s have hot cocoa together tonight and turn on the fireplace. It will be cozy!

December 12^th – As a special treat, Mom is going to take you out to dinner tonight! You two decide a place you’d like to go. Afterwards, let’s come home and play some games together. Here’s a chocolate!

December 13^th – Dad’s home! Have you finished all of your Christmas shopping? Do something secret and special for someone in the family today.

December 14^th – Tonight for family scripture study, we should read about Samuel the Lamanite proclaiming the birth of Christ. They we can read about what happened in the Americas when Christ was born. How much of those two scripture stories do you remember?

December 15^th – Wow! Can you believe it’s only 10 more days until Christmas? For family night tonight, let’s deliver our goodies to neighbors and friends. We could sing some carols too.

December 16^th – Let’s make some gingerbread cookies today and decorate them. That sounds like lots of fun!

December 17^th – Using Jillian’s nativity set, or by making up a play, act out the story of the nativity. I’m sure Dad will be the donkey! And here’s a chocolate because I love you.

December 18^th – Has it snowed yet? Let’s read some more Christmas books to each other. Have Mom and Dad each tell you a story from when they were little and it was Christmastime.

December 19^th – What can we do to help someone in need today? Let’s think of something to do!

December 20^th – Are all of your presents for other people wrapped? Let’s watch a video about the birth of Christ today. And then we can watch “Mr. Krueger’s Christmas.” That’s always a good one!

December 21^st -- Today we need to make sure all of the presents are wrapped and ready. And we need to eat a chocolate.

December 22^nd – Today we need to clean the house. Let’s put on some Christmas carols and help each other do our jobs.

December 23^rd – Grandma and Grandpa and Uncle Joel are coming today! Make them a welcome sign.

December 24^th – Oooh, finally Christmas Eve! What present are you going to open tonight? Here’s your last chocolate. But don’t worry, there are lots of treats to come tomorrow.

December 25^th – Merry Christmas! I hope we have a wonderful day with our family. I love you!

What's good about this is that it's going to help me remember to do some of the things the kids love. It also gives me a "schedule" of events for the month. I even remembered a couple of things I should add in: going to our church's creche exhibit and driving around to view neighborhoods with good Christmas lights/decorations. I'm excited to get going!

Signing off for a few days,

Amy