Today on “Make it Merry” we’re featuring some fun ideas for advent. Kids love counting down the days until Christmas - so we’ve gathered some projects that you can make yourself and easily finish by December 1. What's best about these projects is that we MADE IT SIMPLE by using Adornit’s Holly Jolly Countdown 12x12 patterned paper. Just it cut apart and you’ll have 25 numbered squares that you can use on any countdown project. Be sure to come back tomorrow to see a wonderland of Christmas decorating ideas!
This Candy Countdown is extremely easy to make. A great idea is to make one for each member in the family. You can hang the garlands in the kitchen or bedrooms and then each child gets to snip off one piece of candy each day. To make your candy countdowns, roll out a long length of plastic wrap, evenly space 25 pieces of candy, roll it up, and tie ribbon in between each candy piece. Add decorative numbers - I mounted my countdown numbers on chipboard to give them stability. You can also make candy garlands in longer lengths and hang by your front door (with a pair of scissors) to welcome guests with a little sweet treat!
Debbie altered this Moleskine notebook (available at any bookstore in a wide variety of colors and sizes) for a mini Christmas Planner to keep in her purse. The flourish sticker on the front is one of Adornit's new Clear Stickers. Easy embellishment! In her "mini planner," Debbie keeps shopping lists, reminders, and a detailed schedule of each day in December so she doesn't forget what's going on. It's an extension of her big Cut the Crazy Out of Christmas planner and a valuable tool in reducing stress. No more "notes to self" scribbled on napkins or post it notes all over the house and car! She updates her notebook each evening no matter how long and tiring the day! Debbie says, "Everything we have ever read and learned about organization has to be put to use in December. That includes using some kind of notebook or planner."
This is a countdown Christmas tree that our graphic designer Tami makes for her kids' and grandkids' bedrooms. Quick and easy - just cut out the number squares and adhere to candy canes. As the kids take the candy canes off their tree, they replace them with ornaments to decorate the tree. The tree becomes more decorated as Christmas draws near.
What activities do you do for advent - or to count down the days until Christmas?