Behind every hopeful child’s face during the holiday season is an exhausted parent trying to bring the holiday magic. Starting December 1, Advent calendars are used to count down the days of Advent (Dec. 1 – 24) in anticipation of Christmas — you may have one at your home already in use. This year, how about trying a different sort of Advent — activities to enjoy each day with the kids during the holiday season. Pick and choose your way!
24 Days of Holiday Magic
1. MAKE A BLANKET FORT. For reading Christmas books! Simply put a large blanket over the kitchen table, add cozy pajamas, lights and a few pillows.
2. DO CAROLING KARAOKE. Head over to Karafun.com where you will find instrumental versions of Christmas songs as well as lyrics.
3. GINGERBREAD HOUSE CONTEST. Split into teams (if necessary) and work to complete your kit.
4. PAINT HOLIDAY SCENES Purchase cheap canvas and paints — or paint by numbers — and paint winter scenes to display.
5. PUZZLE NIGHT Work together or, if you have a competitive crew, work on different puzzles with a timer.
6. HOT COCOA BAR Fill your crockpot with your favorite hot cocoa recipe and offer mix-ins like candy canes, sprinkles, whipped cream and marshmallows.
7. MAKE GIFTS FOR PACKAGE DELIVERY FOLKS Fill a dollar store mug with a hot cocoa pack and a candy cane with a note that says “Just add water.”
8. CUT OUT SNOWFLAKES You can find directions to make snowflake cutouts on Instructables.com or YouTube. Hang in windows or doorways.
9. MAKE PLANTABLE HOLIDAY CARDS Add torn paper and water to a blender to make a pulp. Add wildflower seeds. Flatten out to dry. Decorate and give to friends.
10. SPONSOR A FAMILY Choose a family from USPS Operation Santa or Angel Tree and take your kids to pick out food, clothes and toys.
11. PLAY REINDEER GAMES Go outside for relay races, “snowball” throwing and Red Light, Green Light.
12. VISIT YOUR LOCAL FIRE OR POLICE STATION OR HOSPITAL Drop off a homemade gift basket.
13. DECORATE YOUR BEDROOM DOORS Use removable hooks and tape to hang garland, battery-operated lights or personalized art on your kids’ bedroom doors.
14. SEE A HOLIDAY PLAY Community theaters and local high schools usually have a holiday play or musical that runs in December. Prices are lower and sometimes free.
15. PARTICIPATE IN A FUN RUN Check out findarace.com to locate December races in your area.
16. DIY UGLY XMAS SWEATERS Go to a thrift shop or Goodwill and pick up cheap sweaters. Decorate with garland, pom poms, buttons, felt, beads and bells.
17. DO A SCAVENGER HUNT Find printables online or create your own. You can also do this with Bingo cards.
18. ELF THE NEIGHBORS Create a little basket of goodies – store bought or homemade — and leave it at their front door. Encourage them to pay it forward.
19. MAKE A CARD TREE It’s a fun way to display your Christmas cards on a wall.
20. MAKE BIRD FOOD Add two cups of birdseed to one cup of each: peanut butter, lard, cornmeal, flour and oats. Place in molds until dried. Hang in a nearby tree and watch them eat.
21. SPECIAL APPETiZERS Try out new holiday appetizers or sides before preparing them for incoming family. Hello, Tik Tok!
22. RADIO SHOW Find an old-fashioned holiday radio show to listen to on Spotify or YouTube & cozy up together.
23. HOLIDAY PAMPER The whole family gets in on a little self care with home facials.
24. READ A SPECIAL PASSAGE OUT LOUD Take turns reading a special holiday book together by the Christmas tree.
