{For the 2011 version of our service calendar and a list of our projects, click here.}
I love the month of December. A month filled with anticipation and preparation. A month of fun.
I love the month of December. A month filled with anticipation and preparation. A month of fun.
Last year we started a new tradition. Rather than opening the traditional advent calendar each day, my kids took part in the 24 Days of Service. Each morning they opened a box of the calendar and found a slip of paper telling them what to do that day. The tasks ranged from fun (bake snowman-shaped bread and deliver the loaves to neighbors) to tedious (clean up all the litter on our street). It ended up being a very memorable holiday season, one in which they looked outside of themselves rather than living with expectation of what they might get. I’ve decided that this tradition will continue every year and this morning they opened up the first box and found their service task.
In addition to that, I thought it would be fun to have something small for each of them. Luke and Lila will celebrate each day with these little bubble wrap trees … every day a bubble will be popped as they count down to the birth of Jesus.
Elijah and Kennedy have gum calendars. I loved this idea when I saw it on my little mochi and had to replicate it (although hers are definitely cuter than mine). Gum is not something that the kids get all the time in our house (and no one under five is allowed to chew it) so a piece of gum each day still holds some charm. (and don’t you love the little snowman face on the front piece of gum?)
What fun ways are you counting down to Christmas?
I’ve started truncating my posts … please pop over to my blog to read the rest!
Hmmm… I might have to steal this idea too! Please e-mail me with the list too, if you don’t mind!
I agree, I don’t know if I could think of 24 service ideas that could be done each day! I love the idea! I think it’s not too late to start for this year! i am with you baby! I LOVE Dec. 1st! Still wish we lived next door because we could do them together!
Ok I have 10 and I’m running out! E-mail me that list too
I have to start off by saying you do not know me, but I follow your blog…You are so creative and very inspiring!!! I hope I am not stepping over blogging boundaries by asking if you could email me a list of what all you put in your advent calendar. I think it is a fantastic idea!
[email protected]
Great ideas.
I would like to come over and participate as a “kid”. 🙂
Great ideas! And Happy December 1!
Oh I like the gum idea..where did you get it?
What a GREAT idea…You are on to something here. I would also LOVE a list of what all went in your Advent Calendar. Thanks again for another great idea…We did your handprint Turkey shirts this year and got SO many compliments!
I love it!! Thanks so much for linking up with Sassy Sites for our Christmas Party! Be sure to check back often and I hope you link up with us again! xoxo!!
This is such a grea idea! Do you have that list posted anywhere? I would love it!
Would you mind sending me your list. Thank you so much for sharing your lovely idea!
amykirchhoff @ me(dot)com
may I have your list of ideas as well??? THANK YOU!!!
Sure can … it’s found in this post: https://dukesandduchesses.com/2011/11/the-24-days-of-service-advent-calendar