At this time of year, I like to soak in the smell of fresh fallen leaves and warm fires.  Basically, I just want to enjoy the warmth of the season that is upon us at the moment and not rush over it to start frantic Christmas preparations.



There is one thing, however, that I need to think of before December 1st and that is what to fill the Wooden Advent Calendar with for my children (ages 6 and 4). They get so excited by this simple holiday ritual, and it has become one of my favorite traditions of the season.  I love that this calendar will be used year after year, creating a memory and tradition for my children that hopefully will carry on to their children and beyond.





Finding 24 small items that will fit in the space allotted in a wooden Advent Calendar can be a challenge. You don't have to stick to just candy, either - though let's admit it - chocolate at the holidays is a lot of fun for the kids ( read: ME) so make sure you include it if there are no allergies! Here are some ideas for filling a Wooden Advent Calendar, which can be mixed and matched:

·       Puzzle pieces

·       A clue to where a small treat is hidden somewhere else in the house

·       "Coupons" for non-monetary things such as "10 minutes extra computer time", "Get out a chore free", "One extra bedtime story"...etc.

·       Party-favor sized treats such a bubbles

·       Washable tattoos

·       Coins

·       Penny candy

·       A picture of mom, dad or another family member as a child- see if the children can guess who it is, and present the day's treat after the guessing game is over

·       Make a copy of a picture from Christmas past, cut into 24 pieces and distribute in each of the slots. As the children discover their goodies, they will discover a piece to the picture puzzle. When they are done, you can tell them something about that particular Christmas!

·       Pick out a phrase, such as "Holly Jolly Christmas" and spell it with Scrabble tiles. Mix up the tiles and distribute them among the slots ( you do not necessarily need 24). As the children discover their goodies, they will discover the letters and have a secondary activity leading to Christmas which will be to unscramble the phrase!

We would love to hear about your advent calendar filler ideas and holiday traditions. Please post them, or send them to me at info@thesurpriseinside.com. 



Ann

November 11, 2007