Just because the gifts under the tree are going to be a bit lighter this year doesn’t mean the spirit of Christmas has dimmed. In fact, this is the perfect opportunity to really focus on what’s important during the Christmas season.

“It’s that time of year when the world falls in love…every song you hear seems to say, Merry Christmas…”, The Christmas Waltz, by Frank Sinatra hums in the background, spiced pumpkin latte candles fill the air, as the fire in the fireplace envelops the space like a warm hug. The children put the finishing touches on their gingerbread house before changing into their cozy matching PJs to watch the classic, It’s a Wonderful Life, and string (and eat) popcorn to hang on the Christmas Tree. That is how I have always envisioned spending Christmas time when in reality it’s more like a cyclone of ‘to-do’ lists…clean the house, decorate the house, buy gifts, etc.

There is a lot on our minds this time of year and sadly the things that slip away are usually the things we would really enjoy doing with our children, like decorating a gingerbread house, stringing popcorn, decorating cookies, etc. Not this year! PLANNING and making the time is the key to ensuring that what really matters most, quality time and making special memories with your family, doesn’t slip away. Here’s a fun way to not only countdown to Christmas but to ensure that you are making those special memories with your family throughout the advent season.

How it works:

First, make a list of the things you would like to do with your children during Advent (the time leading up to Christmas), or feel free to copy mine.

Tour Manor House Decorated for the Holidays at Wildwood (free, reservations required)
Decorate Christmas cookies
Get out the Advent wreath and read daily sections from the Advent book
Challenge the family to a round of Christmas Carol Trivia on Kahoot!
Watch Polar Express & get the Polar Express train out to place around the tree
Make ornaments for an ornament exchange
Disney on Ice
Read, The Christmas Sweater
See The Toledo Ballets’ 82nd performance of the Nutcracker, at Stranahan
Watch the classic, Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer & Frosty
Read a Christmas Carol
Decorate Gingerbread House
Family Christmas Bingo Night & Watch a Charlie Brown Christmas
1920s Holiday Event on Mainstreet at Sauder Village
Go Christmas Caroling around the neighborhood after dinner w/hot cocoa in hand ; )
Watch, How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Read How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Listen to Christmas records while decorating the tree
Go to the Lights before Christmas at the Toledo Zoo
Watch the classic; It’s a Wonderful Life
Watch the Nativity Story
Go to a Lighted Christmas Parade
PJ brigade & Christmas Lights Scavenger Hunt
Read, The Night Before Christmas

Second, get out your planner/calendar and determine which day works for each activity. For example, I know that Friday nights are our movie nights, so we will watch Christmas movies on Friday nights. That being said there are particular evenings that certain events have to happen, such as the Nutcracker Ballet, touring the Manor House, Sauder Village, & Lights Before Christmas. I find that laying everything out on a table and simply placing a Post-it on the date that works best for said activities is the easiest & most efficient way to schedule said events and activities for the month of December.

Third, wrap each activity/event (place tickets in an envelope and wrap the envelope) and place the number/date on the back of each package so you can remember which day to open each item. And set them out wherever you wish. I place our countdown packages on our mantel, they double as decoration. Not only does it look visually appealing but it also saves us money. I purchased the gift wrap from the Dollar Store; I spent $2 on our Christmas decorations this year. Winning! 😉

Not only does the countdown help you to spend quality time with your children, but, hopefully, it helps you budget your Christmas Activities. While most are activities we already had, like the books, books on tape, DVDs, and craft items (just raid your arts and craft bin) there are a few free events, like touring the Manor House at Wildwood, & Lights before Christmas at the Zoo (thanks to our membership) but, also some events and activities that we needed to budget into finances.

Do you have a countdown or Christmas tradition that your family practices? I’d love to hear about it, please share.