Tuesday, December 10, 2013

'Tis the season to be jolly and to start an advent calender


Unless you are living in some sort of dark cave, I am pretty sure you would all be well aware that the festive season is well and truly upon us. 

Ho ho ho.

Lots of people are talking about the special little things they do in their house to celebrate the festive season. I am loving watching all the shenanigans of the christmas elves on Facebook and Instagram. 

We don't have an elf but we do have Santa in a truck. He's an advent truck. 


He is a real treat and something Noah looks forward to each year. Although this year he arrived a few days late... 

Whoops.

We introduced this little guy into our house a few years ago. I was working almost full time hours and feeling particularly guilty about the working mum status. I was really worried that Noah, aged 2 would miss out on the Christmas build up (childcare doesn't celebrate the festive spirit). So with all that maternal guilt and a few spare hours, I created what I think is a beautiful way to celebrate the festive season.

Each day has a special message and a special Christmas task to be completed. Some tasks are easy. Others I wish I had never thought of (really who wants to make a gingerbread house every year?) And a few tasks, which remind us exactly what Christmas is about... 

I thought it would be nice to share with you our advent tasks for 2013... The gingerbread got the boot. 

1. Decorate Christmas tree and make a Christmas pudding 


2. Visit the city and say hello to Santa 


3. Buy a special Christmas ornament
4. Write Santa a special letter 
5. Make Christmas cookies for your neighbours and deliver 
6. Take Barkley for an evening walk
7. Sing a Christmas song to Jude
8. Read a Christmas story
9. Write a special Christmas story and share with mum, dad and Jude 
10. Paint Santa

11. Be kind and say thank you to all 
12. Call Nanna and Pop and sing a Christmas jingle
13. Borrow some Christmas books from the library and read together
14. Make daddy breakfast in bed
15. Attend church service 
16. Santa's magical kingdom, yeah! 



17. Clean up your room and toys
18. Make your kinder friends a special Christmas gift and card
19. Draw a picture of our family enjoying Christmas 
20. Kmart wishing tree
21. Help mummy write and post Christmas cards
22. Go and see the Christmas light display in the city 
23. Help mummy wrap Christmas presents for your family and friends 
24. Go to a Christmas concert and sing your little heart out
25. CHRISTMAS DAY: enjoy 

Ill admit it here that sometimes we have to do a quick swap of the tasks if the days events call for it. But what I like about our little tasks is that it reminds us that Christmas is more than just ripping open some presents on the 25th of December.

Christmas is about sharing, being kind, giving and looking after those who are less advantaged than us. 

All very important things for a little boy with the world at his feet to learn.

So, tell me what do you and your family do to celebrate Christmas? 

Love Jo xxx