Advent Ideas

This is the Advent Calendar we made last year.

I know there are SO many ideas out there for Advent activities. Last year the list I made had lots of fabulous activities that we loved. You can see it here. But many of them had so much prep work and took so much time I rethought our activities for year. This December we will be doing lots of fun things, but most of the activites require little to no prep work and the ones that do take some fore thought are the ones we really wanted to get to.  Here is our list for this year:

Today is the first day of December! What a better way to celebrate it than with a pajama party! Get warm and cozy and let’s watch a Christmas Movie!  (Since we already have a few Christmas movie, this is a zero prep work day!)

What better way to celebrate the winter season than with your every own snowscape? Grab a bottle of shaving cream, a few action figures, have a blast in the bath making your own winter wonderland.  (While I technically have to buy a can of shaving cream ahead of time this is still pretty easy.)

We all know Christmas is about giving. Take some time today and shop for gifts to give to those who might need help this Christmas.  (We were going to do this any way, so why not kill two birds with one stone.)   

Have a little Christmas fun with these Christmas mad libs! (The only prep work for this day was to print a few copies of these free  mad libs or you can order a book of Christmas Mad Libs for just a few dollars from Amazon.)     
 Today is a very Special Day. As you know we are celebrating jesus’ birthday with our homeschool friends!                    (Once again, we were already doing this so why not include it in the Advent calendar.)

All around the world people are celebrating st. Nicolas today. Take some time to remember why we still study this great man. (Oh, and don’t forget to check your shoes for a special treat for you and a special way you can bless someone else.) (This one actually does take prep work but it is just so fun. My favorite part of Christmas is stockings and this is kind of like getting to do stockings twice. We fill the boys shoes with treats and this year we are adding ten gold dollars, much in the fashion of St. Nicholas, to use to bless others in some way.)

The Christmas season isn’t complete without Christmas music. Why don’t you pick out some new Christmas tunes to share and enjoy together! (This is just a quick trip up to Target.)
 We had such a blast last year roasting marshmallows in the backyard, let’s do it again! Get the graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows ready for s’mores! (As long as I remember to get these things when I do my normal grocery shopping this should be pretty easy.)
 Dress in your finest, light the candles, and break out the china. It is for our second annual fancy pants dinner! (This was one of the boys favorites last year, so despite prep work this is a must.)

There is nothing better than a picnic. But Let’s change it up a bit and have an indoor picnic. I will meet you for lunch on the blanket in the living room. (We have to lunch, so why not make it fun?)

Tonight is a very special night. It is polar express night. Meet us on the couch as we watch the movie together while we drink homemade hot chocolate. (We are sneaking the boys out after the movie to go see Christmas lights. This night should be so fun despite any prep work that it might require.)
 How about a bubble bath tonight? Don’t forget to use some of those bubbles to make a santa beard, and don’t forget to smile, because Mom is sure to have the camera close! (I already picked up some bubble bath so, once again, super easy.)

 Today there are no special treats, treasures, or fun activities. While Mom and Dad love lavishing gifts on you, we are going to take today to remember that what we really deserve is the wrath of God but what god gave us is salvation through Jesus and a great abundant life. (I bought lumps of coal at Dollar Tree. Good object lesson.)

Feel like baking? Let’s make some treats to deliver to our friends and neighbors today! (This day does require some prep work but it is tremendously fun to bless others this time of year!)

Camping is so much fun but it is so cold outside. Lets campout inside instead, grab your pillow, blanket, and we will camp out under the tree. (NO PREP WORK!)

I know the mall is super busy today but let’s risk it. Ezra and Elisha today you are going to spend some money shopping for gifts for mommy and daddy. Have fun! (I know I am crazy to attempt to take the boys to the mall in December but I think this will be fun. This is the first year that we have taken the boys shopping for parent gifts!)

Have fun making a gingerbread house today! (I am buying a gingerbread kit and so it should be super easy.)

Use your creative skills today to make some wrapping paper. Then Use your paper to wrap the gifts you got for mommy and daddy. (We have an abundance of art supplies so this shouldn't require anything extra.)
 A Christmas carol is one of the most loved Christmas stories of all times. Pop some popcorn and spend some time with the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future. (We have the movie, so no prep work.)

What do you want for dinner? How about French toast & hot chocolate? (Easy peasy, we have to have dinner right.)

Are you up for a Santa clause movie marathon? (As long as I remember to Tivo the films at the beginning of the month this should be easy.)

The story of the birth of Christ is one of the most important stories in history. Take today and write out the story for yourself. (NO PREP WORK!)

Do you know how much mom and dad love you? Read these letters to find out. (This is going to require prep work but I think it is worth it.)

Mommy and daddy have a special Christmas eve gift for you tonight. Hope you love it! (Every Christmas Eve the boys get new pajamas. It is an oldie but a goodie.)

As we spend time with our family and open lots of presents, remember that the real gift in our lives is the love of Christ. Never forget. (NO PREP WORK!)