Countdown to Jesus' birth.

I have a super inspirational friend who continues to keep me hopeful that Jesus can be part of any home. It takes some forethought , but it can be done, whether in teachable moments or in traditions that we establish as parents.

One idea is an advent calendar....(I know..not that new.) I was thinking to go beyond the chocolate.

My friend made one out of felt, and has a special activity for every day. Some are just fun and some are centered on Jesus, to help kids understand that Jesus is first this season, and all the other stuff is just fun. I will post a more detailed one with our own ideas.

Here are some ideas from a blog site:

http://jordanferney.blogspot.com/2009/11/advent-calendar.html

It doesn't have to be something big every night--it could just be making hot cocoa. But just doing something everyday get us excited for the holidays.

Go Ice Skating
Watch It's a Wonderful Life, make spiced cider.
Exchange gifts
Make Christmas Cookies for friends.
Find Mistletoe, hang it in our house and kiss under it.
Address and Mail Christmas Cards
Go to Borders and Pick out one new Christmas CD.
Go to The Nutcracker
Listen to Handel's Messiah
Leave out wooden shoes on December 5 (This could pay homage to our Dutch heritage)
Drive around the city for a Nativity hunt.
Make Thick Hot Chocolate and Homemade Marshmallows
Host a Christmas Sweater Party
Put up a ribbon sash for Christmas cards
Donate canned goods
Give neighbors a present
Put up a wreath
Make a Gingerbread house
Make a popcorn garland
Make hot chocolate and read The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
Sing (or listen) to favorite Christmas songs
Drive around to see neighborhood lights
Go out and see public light display
Read Christmas story from the Bible and the Book of Mormon
Open a gift (new stocking or pajamas or pillowcase)
Make a family traditional dessert
Eat out at a festive restaurant
Go to a seasonal movie
Tell stories of childhood Christmas around the fire
Have a romantic candlelit dinner by the Christmas tree
Make decorative sugar cookies
Sign up to purchase gifts for a needy child
Host a Christmas dessert party
Write out a Christ-centered goal to start early for the New Year
Have a movie party (classic Christmas clips)
Go to a Christmas Concert
Attend City tree lighting event
Have a full traditional breakfast while listening to Christmas music

Here are some great ideas for the calendar:

http://www.ohdeedoh.com/ohdeedoh/advent-calendar-roundup-132023