If you want to take the focus off possessions and gifts this Christmas and move it back to family time then the activity advent calendar is just what you need. It takes the traditional advent calendar idea, but instead of a gift or treat your advent calendar contains a Christmas activity to do together as a family. The calendar turns the month of December into a Christmas extravaganza! This calendar is Tully's favourite thing about Christmas. Having 24 days of Christmas activities to look forward to is so much fun, and makes the focus of Christmas on family time.

What to include in your activity advent calendar
Make a list of 24 Christmas related activities you can do as a family- they can be big or they can be as small as reading a Christmas book. I love activities like baking, Christmas lights, Christmas craft, seeing a Christmas show or movie, family movie nights etc. I also include all the Christmas activities my daughter has like kindy or school Christmas party, and Christmas parties we are attending, Ballet Christmas party and so on. This helps fill up the spaces and it means you don't need a second Christmas activity on busy days.
You may want to use your activity calendar to give back. It might include things like, give a gift to a stranger, help someone in need, pay for someone's groceries. Whatever is important to you.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
How to create your activity advent calendar
So how to present it? There are so many cute ideas. Premade calendar pouches are available from many shops, create your own using felt or envelopes, your imagination can go anywhere! Here are some of our favourite examples...
The most important thing about your Christmas activity advent calendar is that it's fun! It's all about spending time together as a family in the lead up to Christmas and getting into the Christmas spirit.
The Thrifty Issue
I love these ideas! Maybe memorize a Christmas song? I'm trying this. Thanks!
Maraya
Oh thank you! Oh yes I like that idea!
Tara
I have been doing this for a good few years, we buy a tree decoration each year, we have a Christmas theme bath with peppermint in it, glitter, baubles etc. we make a Christmas decoration, choose a Christmas themed book, watch a movie, play in the snow ( we make fake stuff from cornflour, glitter etc. the list is endless and they love it.
Maraya
oh they are some great ideas thank you! I need fresh ones for this year.