DO: CHRISTMAS TRADITION: Make an Advent Countdown for your kids!

This year I decided I wanted to do something special for our kids that emphasizes togetherness instead of gifts. (Yes, they are still getting gifts under the tree!) For activites or projects, usually, I would go to the store to buy a bunch of junky toys that fall apart in two seconds, spend way too much money and find myself frustrated at the end of it all. So, this time, I bought NOTHING, the projects turned out super cute...and so far, we are having a BALL! This really could go into our "Spend Less Challenge" as well, because I spent time, not money. 


P.S. It's not too late to start, even though it is the 2nd of December! You could start now or do the final 12 days countdown, which would be just as great. 


Ok, here is what I did...

These are our bags hung on the banister in the middle of our home - we have a set for each kid. fun!

ASSEMBLY:
1. I just used plain paper bags (which I always have on hand for craft projects).
2. Printed out numbers on my computer. 
3. Simply placed the printed number on top of my decorative paper and snipped it out.
(Used only 2 large sheets of scrapbooking paper per child for the numbers)
4. Used a glue stick and glued the numbers onto the bags. 
And because I got too tired - I only went up to 12! ha! I will just do 1-12, two times...I don't think they will care...as long as it's fun!
NOTE: I did a set for each child, but in each bag they get the same thing (since they are so close in age). 


INSERTS:
1. Leftover halloween candy (not every day). 
2. Printed games - ensures that we sit down as a family each day and PLAY together.
Here are a few online sites that I printed games, puzzles and activity pages from: (I'm sure there are many more...if you find a good one, please leave me a comment with the link!)

We played Christmas Bingo yesterday - this one is from Crayola.com

Homeschooling.About.com - even if you don't homeschool, this site is LOADED with tons of great printables, activities...everything. I love it because it also offers Christian worksheets (unlike Family Fun). I am on this site almost every day.
FamilyFun.com - great place for printables and games 



DISPLAY:
The place I got this idea from used plain string to hang the bags and that was just as cute and charming.
1. Since I couldn't find string anywhere (weird!), I used my lime green tulle and just tied the tulle onto the posts. 
2. To attach the bags, just plain old clothespins.  Could it get any easier!??


I am planning on storing my bags and using them for years to come - if you find a good thing, why change? :) 


OTHER ADVENT COUNTDOWN IDEAS 


Online Advent Calendar - your child can click on this each day and it brings up a bunch of activities, puzzles, recipes, etc. that you can do each day. Fun!


The Crafty Crow - 24 SUPER CUTE Advent Calendars you can make. Love this site!


Living Lucurto - free printable Advent Calendar - so cute!

Israel & Bella, last year at Christmastime...sigh!

Israel said yesterday, Mom, can we do the bags every year at Christmas time? (doesn't that bring joy to a momma's heart??!!) A tradition is born! hmmm...can you tell I love Christmas?


Enjoy the wonderful season with your family!
Love, Kristen