Advent Calendar

Kya is starting to become more aware of "when" things are to take place. Like for Thanksgiving, she asked everyday if 'this was the day'. So we counted the days on our fingers everyday to help her understand how much longer she had to wait. Well, with the month of December basically being all about Christmas, I decided I wanted an Advent Calendar to help count down the days. I really want to get one of those cute wooden ones with drawers to fill up at Target, but I cannot justify spending $30 when I know I can get one after Christmas for 50-75% cheaper. So I decided that this year we would make our own and I am so glad we did, because Kya and Seth loved making their own "Christmas" and it is appropriate for their age.

First, they painted on glitter with glitter glue. Then I cut it out in the shape of a Christmas Tree and glued on cut up egg carton pieces filled with different treats. The treats are assorted stickers, foamie stickers, fruit snacks and different sayings. The sayings are: "Jesus Love You", "Mommy & Daddy Love You", "Let's Go to the Park!", "Ask Mommy for a cookie" and "Let's get the guitar out and sing as a family".

I did not expect it to weigh so much though! I think I am going to have to attach it to some cardboard and then find a place to hang it.

Kya also made a chain link advent calendar in school today. She can remove a chain everyday and will reach the gold chain on Christmas day. This is a great opportunity for her to practice the pattern red/green.

So we have removed 2 chain links and 2 egg cartons and I am finding it very difficult for the kids to understand that they can only take 1 off each day. Seth wants to open all the egg carton's to find his treat and was disappointed when today's treat was a message saying "Jesus Loves You, Seth". Oh well, at least he is hearing the message of God's love and I am sure they will look forward to opening one a day soon.

Oh, we are gluing all the messages and stickers back on to the tree, so they can see them everyday too.