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10 Family Traditions Leading to the Upcoming Holidays

Great Ideas to get you in the Holiday Spirit!

By Naida November 27, 2024

As the last strains of Thanksgiving echoes fade away, a magical countdown begins—a journey from the warmth of gratitude to the enchantment of Christmas, Hannukah, and Kwanzaa. In this exploration, we dive into the tradition of advent calendars and other delightful family countdown activities that weave anticipation, joy, and togetherness into the tapestry of the holiday season. Join us as we embark on the countdown to our December Holidays, where every day brings a new moment of magic for the whole family.

1. Advent Calendars Unveiled: A Daily Dose of Delight

Delve into the history of advent calendars and discover the joy they bring to the countdown. Explore traditional chocolate-filled calendars, as well as creative alternatives like activity-based calendars that add an extra layer of excitement and engagement. Or, try our Reverse Advent Calendar idea.

2. DIY Advent Adventure: Crafting Your Family Countdown

Encourage creativity and family bonding by crafting a personalized advent calendar. Whether it's a collection of small, hand-wrapped gifts or a series of DIY activities, this calendar becomes a labor of love that builds excitement throughout the month. Maybe try these easy and fun-to-make Holiday Tree Ornaments.

3. Storytime Surprises: Daily Readings for Holiday Anticipation

Create a special collection of holiday-themed books to read as a family. Unveil a new story each day leading up to the big day, fostering a love for literature and the magic of the season. Here are our favorite Holiday Books and Stories for the season.

4. Acts of Kindness Calendar: Giving Back During the Countdown

Infuse the spirit of giving into your countdown by creating an "Acts of Kindness" calendar. Each day, engage in a small act of kindness as a family, spreading joy and goodwill in your community. Here are some great ideas for Acts of Kindness you might want to incorporate.

5. The Culinary Countdown: A Taste of The Holidays Every Day

Explore the world of culinary delights with a food-themed advent calendar. Whether it's trying a new cookie recipe, experimenting with festive hot cocoa flavors, or discovering international holiday treats, this countdown tantalizes the taste buds.

Here are some great recipes for you and your family:
Reindeer Cupcakes
Christmas Cookie Lollipops
Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Bites

6. Ornament a Day: Decorating Your Tree with Family Memories

Turn your Christmas tree into a living scrapbook by hanging a new ornament each day. Craft ornaments together, or collect meaningful trinkets that represent the year's highlights, creating a cherished keepsake for years to come.

Try your hand at these:
Festive Foam Ornaments
Santa Gnome Ornaments

7. Holiday Movie Marathon: Holiday Favorites

Curate a list of family-favorite holiday movies and schedule a daily screening leading up to the Holidays. From timeless classics to animated wonders, this cinematic countdown builds excitement for the holiday magic unfolding on screen. Here's our list of Favorite Holiday Movies to watch with the family.

8. Santa's Secret Messages: Daily Notes from the North Pole

Infuse a touch of magic into your countdown with daily notes from Santa or his helpers. Each morning, discover a new message that may include a clue, a fun fact, or a special task for the day. Also, don't forget to get your FREE Personalized letter from Santa

9. Countdown Crafts: Crafting Your Holiday Decorations

Engage in daily crafting sessions to create personalized holiday decorations. From handmade ornaments to festive garlands, this creative countdown adds a personal touch to your holiday décor.
How about these fun crafts:
Rudolph Candy Canes
Simple Wooden Snowmen

10. Outdoor Adventures: A Nature-Inspired Countdown Calendar

Embrace the beauty of winter with a nature-inspired countdown. Explore the great outdoors, collecting natural elements like pinecones, twigs, or leaves each day to create a stunning centerpiece or wreath.

The countdown to the Holidays is a magical journey that goes beyond marking days on a calendar; it's a tapestry of traditions, joy, and family togetherness. Whether you're unwrapping small surprises, engaging in daily activities, or savoring festive flavors, each day brings a new layer of enchantment. May your countdown be filled with laughter, love, and the joyful anticipation of the wonderful moments that await this holiday season. 


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