Lady D Speaks

There are so many fun ways to countdown to Christmas Day. As for my family and I, we couldn’t choose just one. So if you’re out of ideas on how to put Christ back into Christmas, or if you want ways to make keeping track of the days a fun experience for the whole family; well this list is for you. Here are our top 10 Great Christmas Countdown Ideas.

1. Countdown chain- You probably remember making these in school. Simple use red and green construction paper cut them into equal slips, then taped them together forming a circle link them together.
2. Ornaments- This was a great little book I picked up a few years back that included paper decorations. Each day is assigned a specific ornament with a picture of a crown or lion. On the back of the ornament, there’s a biblical explanation of its significance.  Each door you can review or quiz each other on the ornaments that have already been hung up well learning about a new one. It’s a great faith building exercise for the whole family.
3. Nativity scene- The one I prefer to use is called The Donkey in the Living Room. It has a colorful cartoon drawing of a barn along with a book and individual characters to be placed in and around the barn. Each day you read to your child about the journey to meet the new born King from one of the characters. Once their perspective/journey has been told, a little figure of that character can be placed in the seen. The countdown ends on Christmas Day (of course) with a full nativity scene revealed.
4. Movies- With kids in school weekdays may be off limits, but when the weekend comes greet them with a Christmas themed family movie night. From the classics, you enjoyed as a kid, to whatever is new and trending now. PJs, hot cocoa, and maybe a cookie or two will be all that’s needed to complete the evening. (Helpful Hint: If you don’t have a lot of Christmas themed movies remember those that occur during winter can still work: Frozen, Happy Feet, Ice Age, or Narnia).
5. Shepherd on the Search- This is a great alternative to then Elf on the Shelf. You get a little shepherd boy doll, and yes you guessed it a book, along with a website providing you with fun activities counting down the days as early as Thanksgiving weekend. Activities ideas range from baking to crafts.
6. Crafts- During their break keep the excitement of the countdown alive with daily crafts. The best place to get them for cheap is from dollar bins at stores like Target, or Walmart. But if you’re feeling exceptionally creative Hobby Lobby, Michael’s, and other crafts stores are full of great activities of all sizes.
7. Storytime- Books about Christmas, old or new, fact or fiction, wrap them individually and place them under the tree. Every night let them chose a random book to unwrap and let the story begin. If you don’t have a lot of books to choose from, it’s OK to start small. As you grow your collection grows so will your countdown. Extending the fun a little more each year.
8. Calendar- This is a tried a true one. Whether you check off the days, filling in the blanks, or open mini doors to discover a sweet surprise or adorable scene kids love having ways to keep track of how many more sleepless nights they have left.
9. Printable- From coloring pages to personal calendars they’re all just a click away. Let your child’s artwork be a part of your Christmas decorations this year. Countdown with a different artistic activities each day from help by sites like http://www.education.com/worksheets/christmas/
10. Sweet Treats- In small paper bags place a single candy (more depending on the number of children in your home). Have each bag labeled with the number of days till Christmas. Your kids can even help decorate the bags before they’re filled with the goodies too. It’s a simple, yet tasty way to mark the days.