Advent Calendars have been a long-standing tradition for families during the holidays. Although the more traditional candy or present calendar provides a festive way to celebrate, why not mix it up this year and make it all about participating in the activities that reflect the love, fun and family in the season.

Holly, Becky and I are here to share tips on thoughtful, simple and always fun ways to create and participate in your own holiday activities advent calendar this year.

Homemade to Facebook to store bought…

…your advent calendar can be simple or ornate. I cut pieces out of  wrapping paper and pinned them to a bulletin board to make our calendar. You can check Amazon or any card store near you for advent calendars that you can stick activity notes in or you can simply record everything on Facebook and/or instagram. Follow Holly and I by our hashtags: #pearsonchristmascountdown #SchuzekChristmasCountdown

LOVE your Advent

Choose activities that you LOVE not those that you feel like you SHOULD include. Ski like Becky’s crew, attend a holiday party like the Pearsons or go out on an extensive tree hunt like Pete & Holly! The key is being present and enjoying the day.

Deck Your Halls & Trim the Tree

Leave it to the ever creative Holly, Pete and their merry, cocker spaniel crew to make decorating their home an experience for everyone to enjoy.They call it Deck the Halls day! Check out holly’s post on DIY Christmas decor here.

Listen to Alabama Christmas

Ok, so maybe you don’t have to listen to Alabama Christmas but we all love music here at Celebrate Everyday and definitely recommend finding an annual holiday album to listen to while you decorate your tree or enjoy a hot chocolate by the fire. Growing up, we listened to Alabama Christmas every year so it has become a must play in our adult households.

 Annual “Token” Holiday Photo

The Pearsons started taking an annual photo in front of the Southie Library’s Christmas tree the year we found out we were pregnant with Caleb. Warms my heart to look at how much we have grown together.

Get Involved

The activities advent calendar is an awesome excuse to do a little research to find dozens of special and free events happening in your neighborhood. Everything from caroling, tree lighting and musical performances tend to fill the season.

For example, every year in Minneapolis the city turns part of their parks into a winter wonderland called Winterfest, complete with an ice skating pathways and outdoor vendors.

 Share The Cheer

If you are able, we encourage all of our readers to give back…stumped for ideas?… sponsor a family in need, donate warm clothing and or canned goods to your local shelter and/or talk to your church or local community center about volunteer opportunities. These activities are great way to remind us of our blessings and spend quality time with friends or family.

This year, Becky and Rae’s crews will be buying Toys for Tots and will be selecting as a family which cause/non-profit they will donate to this holiday season – presenting a new one each week and then voting on Christmas Eve.

Sit back, Relax and Toast to your fav Holiday film

Watching holiday movies and tv specials are all part of the fun. And why not watch while enjoying a festive cocktail (or mocktail). Need some recipes or movie recs? Check out Rae’s post on holiday movies and cocktails.

Give Thanks

Make a Christmas Card for a family member, teacher, pastor or babysitter, thanking them for everything they have done for you this year. Give thanks to your community by participating in a pageant or community program (Check out Caleb as the Bethlehem Start at our church below)

Or you can take another tip from Becky and her crew, who will be taking time before bed each night of December saying 2 things we are thankful for. You can do this as a prayer, but it needn’t be religious.

Stay Cozy

Why not invest in some new, festive PJs and snuggle up next to the tree. Check out Target, Victoria Secret, BJs or Amazon for awesome and affordable options.

Strapped for Time…Keep it Simple

No one says your activity has to be a super complicated or crafty. Eat a candy cane, give someone a hug or read one of your favorite holiday books. Quick, simple and holidayish!

What are some of your advent activities or holiday traditions? Please share them with us.

Ok, off to bake cookies, just kidding, really I am going to mix up a holiday “mom of a 2-year-old” kind of cocktail.

With Merry, Joy and Celebration,

Rae