getting ready

December is now around the corner (to say the least), and I've focused this morning (my internet connection had been down all day, I relied on my phone to do the basic) on getting the list of activities for our (now traditional, I just counted and it'll be our 4th year) "Advent" calendar. I should not call it like that, it's more a countdown calendar, except that we don't countdown ! Ahah ! We just have a crafty or foody or festive activity, everyday from December 01st to 24th.

Hubby asked me to leave him a couple of activities to take care by himself, so I gave him two. I managed to find 22 others ! (not too bad, right ?)

Before I start listing them for you here (except my hubby's), let me tell you that these are ideas of activities I needed to find. I needed easy or fast ones for school days, more time consuming ones for weekends & Wednesdays we'll be home. I kind of needed to juggle with busy days & vacations that will come very soon (17th). And with what would make my boys happy, and me too, of course. I'm not asking you to judge any of these ideas, and of course feel free to use any of them. I'm not that original, I've been inspired here & there, but can't possibly link back to everything that inspired me first. (I'm sorry - but I've tried anyway, you'll see)

I will try to blog, at least a photo & a couple of sentences, each & everyday, so I won't have to think about what to post. Let's say it'll be a little stress free. I know the holiday seasons is not for feeling pressured & stressed. I'm organizing this all now, and am building up the supplies for making it all. My children won't remain "children" for long. They'll be soon enough teens, and I really wonder if they'll still feel inclined to do something like that. So I'm going to savor the sweet "stress" these activities will provide. No matter the mess, no matter the time spent, it will be time well spent, since we'll spend it as a family, making & doing things together !

So here are 22/24 ideas, I'm typing them in the chronological order btw :

• putting the tree up & decorating it
  (I have decided to do this activity on Wednesday though because it'll be too short after school on Thursday for truly enjoying it)
• stamping fun or pointillism painting
• spool/French knitting 
• baking linzer biscuits
• making 3D balls with recycled materials (if possible)
• stringing popcorn
• make-a-flake computer activity
• painting pine cones' tips with white paint
• making gingerbread scented salt dough ornaments
• making a toy or two for Gary (our cat)
• baking (star or snowflake shaped) sugar biscuits & make (3D) trees with them (this in mind)
• embroidering
• making a wreath with kraft holly leaves & red pompoms
• decorating white dipped Oreos to make them look festive
• making suncatchers
• making watercolored paper lanterns (a bit like this)
• baking gingerbread men & creatures
• making snowglobes (this in mind)
• painting mugs or cups with porcelain paint (might be gifts for the grandmas)
• sewing/making a plush/softie of their choice (in felt)
• making truffles
• making a "snowfall" curtain garland (as I like to say) with small white balls (no, sorry, no handmade tiny white pompoms)

Well, that's all ! If you really are interested, you can read & see here what we made back in 2008, here what we made in 2009, and here what we made in 2010. And, yes, some things come back every year !

Thanks for stopping by & reading !

oxox

S

Comments

[Jane Cardie]

Sonia, it all sounds wonderful!! I am booking a flight now to join in the fun!! Ha ha. And yes I am afraid it does dwindle with age, my boy (very nearly 12) is not so bothered with these things as he used to be he just humors me!! Although he loves the tree going up still. Enjoy every moment (I know you will) J xxx

[leah of sang the bird]

This is a lovely idea! I love your energy and enthusiasm! So beautiful to spend time with your kids making memories that will stay with them forever.

[maya]

What a wonderful list... and as you know, your tradition inspired me to create one of my own this year. Thanks for the gingerbread reminder. I had a few blanks and have been waiting to see yours before I completed mine! xxx

[sadie]

so much time and love put into this idea. just gorgeous. x

[margie oomen]

okay if i book a flight and stay the month?
love this years list

[www.google.com/accounts/o8/id?id=AItOawn_wQ8DSe02Gw2CW9Vp66YSDwTmymetXJo]

Oh what lovely creativity this is going to be for the whole Advent. And to answer your question "No, in their teens they are not interested any more, at least my son isn't unfortunately!"
AriadnefromGreece!

[joanie]

I always love following along each year to see what you and your boys get up to each day.
P.S. Could I stay the month too?

[Nicole]

A lovely sweet December is in store for you all. This is the stuff that cherished memories are made of.

So happy that we get to follow along with you!

[Lisa]

Enjoy : ) You have some wonderful ideas. I think I might even try the snowglobes.

[Sarah]

I cant stop "making a flake"!
How fun!

[Lisa J]

You are a marvel! Here is my list of planned activities:

did you get all that? You make me feel like a slacker! I'd better get to it...