Advent / Countdown

A cheap (or free) idea that my family uses...

This started as the advent calendar. But I couldn't keep my act together. So, the past two Christmases, it's been THE TWELVE DAYS of CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN.

Here is what you need:

-about 3 or so feet of ribbon/rope, etc. (I used red ribbon, Walmart)

-12 clothespins (I used regular, but am upgrading to mini next year)

-12 socks/mittens, without their mates (if you want to make it nice, don't use the grungy or holey ones ;)

-a total of 12 pieces of candy & activities (messages) to go into the socks

--------some of the activities we use include:

"Make a holiday shake (soy ice cream + soy milk) & drive around to look at Christmas lights"

"Read the nativity & sing AWAY IN A MANGER"

"Girls paint toes & boys paint rocks":

"Do a Christmas Craft"

"Write a letter to Santa"

"Do something kind for someone else"

"Wrap presents"

"Make reindeer food"

"Make Christmas cookies & listen to Christmas music"

ETC ETC ETC

At a designated point in the day (we pick after supper, as it helps them to 'finish' their meals), one of our kids (take turns) gets to take down the sock (after a lift from momma or daddy) & pull out the slip of paper. We read the message & then get down to business.

This idea can be virtually free. You can also get fancy if you'd like & make cut felt stockings or mittens. For now, this whole set up suits us well. And gives new life to those socks that were headed for the trash.

Have fun!