This is our advent calendar and countdown to Christmas, but instead of putting treats or prizes inside we do a special activity together as a family each day. I have a jar full of slips of paper with different activities on them to choose from. Each days activity depends on what we have going on that year or in some cases what the weather is like and some days we do multiple activities (for example on a snow day we build a snowman and make snow angels). At the end of November I look at the calendar and see what we’ve got going on for the month of December and put those activities in their box first. This year I knew when we had my side of the family Christmas party (which lasts all day long) so that is our activity for that day. It’s supposed to be fun…not stressful! Also some of the activities will change as my children get older. This is something that is for everyone and can be adapted to every family.

Here’s what you need to make it:

-24 paper mache boxes in an assortment of sizes. The sizes of mine are 2″x2″, 2.5″x2.5″, 4.5″x3.5″, 4.5″x4.5″ (you could also re purpose small tins or shoe boxes)

-magnets for each box. I use the small silver circles that are really strong.

-craft paint and brush

-variety of numbers (different shapes and sizes) I used stickers, rub-ons and chipboard

-different embellishments like jewels, paper cutouts and chipboard

-modge podge

-magnet board

Here is a list of ideas!