In the past I’ve attempted Elf on a Shelf (just once when Rylie was newly 3years old – you can see my Insta-Highlight here) and The Shepherd (a Christ-centered version of Elf on a Shelf) and both just weren’t my gig. I love the heart and fun behind it, but it was just “one more thing” and I’m not about that.
So this year I pulled some inspiration from a fellow “we focus on experiences” family and one week in I can confidently say “this is my jam!” It has proven to fit perfectly into our daily life because it naturally flows. Oh, did I mention it’s little to no cost! Hey-o.
First, I printed off Brittney‘s December calendar (free template here) and wrote down all the things I already had on my calendar that were “Christmas related” like family gatherings, church events, etc.
Then I created my own list of December activities – like traditions or things I want to do.
Advent Activities —
- Write homemade Christmas cards to immediate-family out of state
- Make paper snowflakes
- Decorate cookies
- Sip on Hot chocolate
- Christmas game night (might I recommend our current favorite… 😉
- Drive around to look at Christmas lights
- Picnic under the tree
- Donate toys
- Host a used book swap
- Campout in the living room and watch a Christmas movie
- City Parades
- Coloring books (these are the ones I’m using)
- Walk around town & look at decor
- Do a Christmas craft
- Check out Christmas library books
- Make Candy-Cane play-doh – recipe here
- Host a Christmas tea
- Make salt-doh ornaments – recipe here
- Make a nature craft
- Have a Christmas music dance party – here’s my playlist
- Take each kid shopping individually so they can get Christmas gifts for their siblings, parents, cousins &/or others close to them (think Dollar Store or Five Below). Bonus if they’re spending their own money 😉
The list can grow and change, but this is what I have so far this year.
All that to say, I wanted to encourage you as you’re watching people on social media that it’s okay to go through trail and error periods while you find what traditions work well for your family. Whether that’s doing all the things or doing nothing at all, do your thing confidently.