Counting Down to Christmas (A Few Times)

    Wow, it’s December already!  Did it sort of sneak up on you as well? 

     Are your decorations out and ready to go?  Or maybe you’re one of those who couldn’t resist and started trimming your tree and hanging your stockings well before Thanksgiving.

     So far, I’ve managed to hold off my kids on Christmas decorating until after Thanksgiving.  However, I did head down to the basement to sort through decorations a few days earlier.  I was a little surprised at what I found.  Apparently I was really into decluttering last year and my Christmas decorations were among the things that I evicted from our house.  Yet, among my small supply of decorations, I did find four types of Advent calendars and two Christmas countdown books. 

      For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved Advent calendars, but perhaps four is a bit much.  By the time my kids make their traditional red and green paper chains, it’s easy to lose track of all our calendars.  Granted, they don’t let me forget about the one that has candy tucked inside, but the others are sometimes forgotten. 

      This year, I opted to keep a few calendars packed away in the basement.  Of course, we’re using the countdown calendar with the candy.  In addition, I’ll be reading a countdown book with my two younger children in the morning.  In the evenings, we’ll read a book as a family.  I’d say that’s more than enough! 

    How about you, if you celebrate Christmas, how do you countdown with your kiddos?  Are there any other special traditions you’re looking forward to doing with your children this month?