Advent Adventures

It's hard to believe it's already time to think about Christmas plans. (Where did the year go?) The Girl is old enough that things will really start clicking this year, so I'm extra excited about traditions and memory making!

One of my favorite memories from Russell Family Christmas' was the advent calendar that we enjoyed. Each day we would pull a fun experience or event to enjoy together as a family. So fun!

Well, the fun will carry on, and here's this year's list. (You'll notice there are more than 25... a few are weather specific so I had to have backups incase the snow isn't available for "sledding with Dad" for instance! I tried to be budget conscience, too. The Girl will get to pull these every morning, and they'll be strategically placed on certain dates based on our schedule.)

So, without further adieu, and in no particular order:

Go and visit Santa in DTSB

Go see the Nutcracker ballet and eat out!

Watch Charlie Brown Christmas and eat popcorn

Learn about Saint Nicholas

Craft: Ornament

Craft: Marshmallow Snowman

Craft: Handprint ornaments

Write a letter to Santa

Make a birthday cake for Jesus!
Decorate cookies
Craft: Gingerbread house
Craft: Popcorn garland
Make hot chocolate, stir with candy canes and read The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by the fire
Drive through Winding Brook light display!
Watch Frosty the Snowman and eat Peppermint ice cream
Have an indoor picnic next to the Christmas tree w/ all red and green food!
Use puppets/stuffed animals to tell bedtime story
Camp out around the Christmas tree

Buy a toy and donate to Toys for Tots

Craft: Paint a Nativity picture

Craft: Green hand print wreath
Craft: Gift tags for presents
Dance like crazy to Christmas music

Craft: Paper snowflakes

Call and sing a Christmas song to Grandparents

Craft: Red and green tree garland (paper chain)

Go sledding with Dad

Build a snowman

Build a snow fort

Go Christmas Caroling

Go Ice Skating

Watch "It's a Wonderful Life"