Simple Christmas Countdown Display (An Advent Calendar)

Last year I began a new tradition of doing a fun activity each day as we counting down the days until Christmas.

The children loved it! I mean jump out of the bed, run down the stairs each morning, LOVED it. The boys would take turns opening a different fun card. We spent time together as a family, spread joy to others, and made memories. The trick is keeping it simple. Simple activities displayed in a simple way.

Our Christmas Countdown display began as a large felt Santa my mother-in-law gave me. She passed away before Tootsie was born so hanging up Santa always makes me remember her and gives me the opportunity to talk to the children about how much Grandmama loved them. Several years ago, I added felt pockets with cutesy little embellishments.

The activities are simply written on pieces of patterned paper. Easy peasy. Here is a list of the fun we will be having this year: Holiday Musts!

• Christmas wishes letter to Santa
• “Dear Santa” letter asking for Herbie (that’s our crazy elf that makes tons of mischief each Christmas)
• Visit with Santa
• “Happy Birthday to Baby Jesus” cake

Fun with Friends

• A Holiday Movie with Friends ~ I can’t wait to see the new Disney movie “Frozen”
• Ornament Making Party
• Lights of the South Christmas Lights Extravaganza
• Downtown Tree Lighting and Christmas Parade

Spreading Cheer to Others

• Treats for Neighbors
• Caroling (Watch out family ~ we’re coming to sing to you!)

Family Fun

• Go “Grass Sledding”!
• “Rudolph” Night with Rudolph pancakes
• Building Gingerbread Houses
• “Elf” Night with candy necklaces and a soda guzzling contest (the boys are going to love this!)
• Christmas Lights Scavenger Hunt
• “Frosty” Night with Snowman pancakes
• Slumber Party under the Christmas Tree

I would love for you to follow along so you don’t miss any of the holiday fun! Join me on bloglovin, Google+, or email subscription {all the links are at the top of the page}.

    I love to share my projects with these fabulous blogs: Get You DIY On {A 16 Week Fall Party Challenge} @ Just a Girl and Her Blog, Make Monday @ Kitchen Table Art, Inspiration Monday Party @ I Should Be Mopping the Floor, Too Cute Tuesdays @ Funky Polka Dot Giraffe, Pin Me Linky Party @ Diana Rambles, What I Whipped Up Wednesdays @ Sugar and Dots, BeBetsy, It’s a Party @ A Creative Princess, Southern State of Mind, What we love Wednesday @ Soda Pop Avenue Work, It Wednesday @ The Blissful Bee, Give Me the Goods Monday @ Rain On a Tin Roof & So Much Better with Age, Shine on Fridays @ Young and Crafty,  Inspire Me Tuesdays @ A Stroll Thru Life, Savvy Southern Style, Crystal and Co. with The Mommy Club: Share Your Resources and Solutions , The Chic and Crafty Linky Party with The Frugal Girls & Share Your Creativity Saturdays with Aimee at It’s Overflowing, My Love for Words Lovely Ladies Linky Party.