Now that Thanksgiving is behind us, we are ready to jump into the Christmas season. I am more tired that I’ve ever been in my life, but I’m willing to rally for the kids to make it a fun month for all of us. One of the easiest ways for me to share the cheer is by putting together a simple Advent calendar.  My husband’s mother sent us a quaint Christmas day tracker several years ago, and every year I tuck in special holiday activities. By planning simple moments in advance, I can be sure we do something special every day. The kids really look forward to pulling out the note to see what we will be up to!

Today – Day 3 – the kids were instructed to write letters to Santa. This assignment kept them happy and busy for long enough for me to make dinner. Perfect.

Here’s what we’re up to for the rest of the month:

Day 4: Put jammies on early so we can watch a Christmas movie together.

Day 5: Put your shoes outside for St. Nicholas!

Day 6: Caroling with friends!

Day 7: Let’s pick out a Christmas tree and decorate it.

Day 8: Hot chocolate from Starbucks after school.

Day 9: Let’s make cornflake-marshmallow cookies (recipe here)

Day 10: Read a new Christmas book (I ordered a few new ones today)

Day 11: Write Christmas cards for three friends and send them in the mail.

Day 12: Get dressed in fancy clothes for a nice dinner at home.

Day 13: Let mom make a video of you singing your favorite Christmas song.

Day 14: Zoo Lights at Lincoln Park Zoo

Day 15: Dip pretzels in chocolate and decorate with sprinkles.

Day 16: Take a wintery walk around the neighborhood.

Day 17: Do two chores to earn money to buy gifts for each other.

Day 18: Christmas show

Days 19-22: We’ll be visiting Chris’s family!

Day 23: Do some chores to earn money to buy food for the Lincoln Park Community Shelter.

Day 24: Write a letter to God to say “thank you” for some special things this year. Bring it to church tomorrow.

Day 25: A GIANT family hug!!!!