Advent

Both kids asked about the string with the envelopes in September, October and November. Yesterday we began a new advent calendar consisting of 24 simple gift enclosure envelopes stamped and numbered by the kids. They are attached to a piece of twine by clothespins and it is strung between the dining room and the kitchen. Each morning before school the kids open an envelope with instructions or a description inside. Unknown to them, each of the envelopes (except for 1 and 2) are actually empty allowing Mario and myself the freedom and flexibility to plan advent according to our needs.

I asked the kids what they wanted to find inside the envelopes this year. Here's what they suggested:

W: Put up a Christmas tree at the yellow house.
W: Go to the dollar store with a dollar.
C: Draw pictures together.
W: Read fun books.
C: Go on boat rides.
W: Have night Christmas dinner. (translation anyone?)
C: Decorate the Christmas tree.

Their ideas are so much simpler than the stuff I had jotted down in my notebook. I think I may ask them if they have any more.

Here's what we did last year:
1: Make snowflakes.
2: Visit Aunt Mikie.
3: Forest Acres tree lighting.
4: Tiny snow globe gifts.
5: Nutcracker.
6: Decorate tree.
7: Make ornaments.
8: Eat candy canes.
9: Saluda Shoals (car light tour).
10: Star day.
11: Watch Christmas movie.
12: Receive mini trees.
13: Sing carols at local church.
14: Christmas craft.
15: Decorate cookies.
16: Dinner with a friend.
17: Gingerbread house.
18: Make a fire.
19: Christmas with Grampin'
20: Lights at the zoo.
21: Make smoothies.
22: Reindeer day.
23: Sibling Christmas shopping.
24: Christmas pj's, wrap gifts, church.
25: Fried Chicken!