Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Christmas Countdown is On!

Wow, there are so many cool advent Christmas Countdowns out there like here and here! I am inspired, but I did not get one of those done this year!

There are however, two new traditions that I am excited about. One is a twist on the Advent Calendars, to countdown Christmas with Christmas books! I loved this idea when I first saw my friend Pam at Cocomama talk about this tradition. We traditionally have read the story about baby Jesus on Christmas Eve. Now we will be reading a Christmas story each night, leading up to Christmas. This should be a great incentive to get into PJ's and brush their teeth, so they can come unwrap the book for the night, snuggle on the couch, and read it together.

I found about 6 books, but know I have a few more I packed up with the decor. So, what am I going to do? Well instead of rushing out and picking up the remaining 19 books and spending all that money, I came up with another plan. Why not find books at the local library? That is exactly what we did.

Our sleigh of books...



I wrapped each book and numbered them. I plan on keeping a list of recommended Christmas books and buy a few throughout the years until I have a set of 25. If you have a favorite Christmas story would you share it with me. I'm looking forward to this countdown and building our collection of Christmas stories and memories!



First night a success! They were really excited!


Let the countdown begin!

11 comments:

He & Me + 3 said...

I saw this on another blog. How fun. I totally should do this.

Pam said...

Love that you wrapped each one. I didn't wrap but we did remember to read 1 tonight.

Jen @ tatertotsandjello.com said...

You are so cute Rhonda! I love love love that book idea. I am going to get on the bandwagon. It is wonderful!

I hope you are having a great week so far!

XOXO
Jen

Sugarplum Creations Blog said...

Such a great idea! We read our story tonight too. I love the idea of reading a new one every night :)

Amber Filkins said...

That is an awesome idea!! We have a basket of Christmas books that I brought out last week. What a fabulous idea to wrap them! Then it really gets them excited about reading. Great idea!

Hope you're having a great week!

And feel free to use that 1 Corinthians post! I borrowed it from someone else last year. Sorry to respond here, but my FB inbox is messing up.

Macey said...

That's a great idea. I love stealing ideas from blogs! :)

shortmama said...

That is such a cute idea! We check out Christmas books from the library too, so we can hear different types of stories. One of our favorites is "God Gave Us Christmas".

Unknown said...

We have a basket FULL of Christmas books- some of our favorites are: Christmas Mouse, Snowmen at Night, Christmas in the Barn, and I Believe in Santa Claus (a great book that relates Santa to the real meaning of Christmas- Jesus!!).

Have fun!

~Becca

Sugarplum Garters said...

What an awesome way to count down the days until Christmas! I would love a copy of your recommended list ~ maybe I'll start collecting now so I have a complete set by the time I have little ones. :o)

Elizabeth said...

Please don't think I'm crazy! I found your blog through Teresa Powell's blog. I am one of her "elves". I was just browsing around looking for new Christmas ideas. I LOVE the book idea...and your son's birthday party was just adorable. You are so creative!!

Sherry said...

great idea!!