The 12 Days of Christmas

I had a request from my freind Heather to post this so here it is! This year I'm trying to focus less on Santa and more on the true spirit of Christmas and I want my kids to start thinking about others and the reason we celebrate Christmas too. However, I know that Santa is an important thing for the boys so I'm going to get help from him in accomplishing my task. For the 12 nights before Christmas, Santa's Elves are going to come to our house and leave something in the boy's stockings. Each item they get will also have that asks them to do something for someone else or think about something special to do with Christmas. I'm hoping the boys will get into the spirit and truly want to help others and give to others rather than just receive. I know my sister has been adjusting this list to fit her kid's ages and abilities and she's going to try it this year too. On the first day the Elves are going to leave a letter explaining their visits over the next 12 days. Here is my list for the 12 days before Christmas.

1. Stickers – Make a card and send it to someone you love.
2. Card game – Play I Spy game and spot all the thing we love about Christmas!
3. sprinkles – Make cookies to share with friends and family.
4. Book –Read Christmas stories together!
5. Car and a few dollars– Drive to the store and donate food or a toy.
6. Coloring page (nativity) and crayons- Color the nativity picture to put up for everyone to see.
7. Ornament craft – make an ornament to hang on our tree
8. Snowman and Reindeer necklace - Talk about all the nice things people have done for you!
9. Candy-Do something “sweet" for someone else today!
10. Hot chocolate – Drink hot chocolate and talk about how happy we are to have a warm house and yummy food.
11. Jingle bell – Sing Christmas Bells and Jingle Bells.
12. Nativity necklace– Think about how Jesus was born and how the new star appeared in the sky.