I love everything about advent calendars. And it delighted me so a few years ago when this tradition became popular again with an assortment of a variety of different types of calendars and gifts that countdown to Christmas. Whether in a 12 day or full month format, Christmas Countdowns can be fun – and pricey.
And some of the gifts fall a little flat for me. I’m not thrilled about 12 or 25 new tiny toys we don’t really need and will probably end up stepping on anyway. And the notion of both of my girls getting 12 new socks a piece makes me break out into the laundry sweats and hives. If you’d like to build excitement for the big day, but don’t have a budget to fund a pricey 12 Days of Christmas or the desire to amass too many things, these ideas will bring the cheer without breaking the bank.
A Christmas Story Each Day
We have a giant basket of Christmas books we’ve grown to love and cherish over the years. None is more popular than a classic from my childhood – A Story A Day Until Christmas. My mom gave it to me when I was 10 and we’ve read it to our girls over the years. While no longer in print, it’s easy to build your own 12 or 25 Day library of Christmas stories. Whether you choose to read a chapter a day from a larger work or individual picture books is up to you. You could even look up classic stories to read on your phone. Or you could check out some newer releases from the library or borrow from a friend. Or maybe you’re like us and have a collection that simply needs reorganized to let the fun begin each day.
A Christmas Movie Each Day
From Elf to Charlie Brown, it’s the most wonderful time of the year for Christmas movies. Build your watchlist as a family or introduce your kids to new favorites. Online streaming services have a plethora of options without having to purchase movies. Or again, you could choose to check out DVDs or movies from the library or borrow them from a friend.
A Countdown of Practicality
Toothbrushes, body wash, deodorant, body wash – there are things that we all need. Christmas is a great time to splurge on favorite necessities. And giving a gift like this each day leading up to Christmas can be a fun, yet practical way to celebrate the season.
A Dish Each Day Until Christmas
Make dinner a part of your festive fun. Each evening, cook a special dish filled with Christmas joy. From savory to sweet, research foods used to celebrate the holiday around the globe. Or keep things simple and have everyone pitch in each evening in the kitchen to prepare individual foods like personal pizzas or build your own sandwiches. From holiday cookies (I buy frozen ones from GFS) to hot cocoa, a special treat or even a meal can help you countdown the days.
A Countdown Chain
Go classic and make yourself a construction paper chain to count down the days. Everyone can make their own or you can build one for just your household. Use wrapping paper or newspaper or even Christmas cards. Bonus points if you write a special Christmas quote, piece of Scripture, or secret message of love on each slip to read daily.
A Light Display Each Night
While there aren’t as many in person Christmas festivities this year, there do seem to be an abundance of them to be seen from a safe social distance. Do a little research on outdoor light events. I love using the resources on Indy with Kids to find them myself. From neighborhoods who decorate to more formal experiences that charge money, you could do a nightly tour of holiday cheer. Toss the kids in the car in their jammies and make some hot cocoa. Or bundle up for outdoor experiences like Christmas at the Zoo. Just be sure you check well in advance for information about safety requirements and tickets for those more formal events.
A Sticker a Day Until Christmas
If you have a teen or tween, you know all about Hydro Flask stickers. The popular metal bottles are adorned with all sorts of personalized vinyl. And you can find them on laptops, phones, and tablets, too. I typically use Red Bubble to buy them for our girls. But there are plenty of online vendors as well and even big box retailers sell assortments. I found plenty on Amazon, too.
- The Office Sticker Pack (less than $7 for 50)
- Hamilton Sticker Pack (less than $8 for 50)
- Friends Sticker Pack (less than $5 for 50)
Gifts of Service Each Day
Choose to serve each day as a family instead of getting something this year. Whether you rake the leaves in your neighbor’s yard, buy and donate goods to your local food bank, or bake cookies to brighten someone’s day, there are plenty of options to make an impact without spending much or exposing yourself to potential germs. Need some ideas? Check out 15 Christmas Service Projects for Families.
A Game A Night Until Christmas
We love playing games together as a family. Video games, card games, board games – we have collected many over the years. Maybe you’re like us? This year, choose a game to play each evening leading up to Christmas!
You don’t need a fancy advent calendar or expensive extras. You can build the excitement for Christmas this year (and years to come) with your own specialized traditions!
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