DB in NJ Posted November 23, 2010 Share Posted November 23, 2010 We bought this the other day. I'm so excited; I've always wanted one of these! Any ideas of what to put inside the little doors? The spaces are small (a hershey kiss MIGHT fit). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris in VA Posted November 23, 2010 Share Posted November 23, 2010 You could put a clue in every day to some other place in the house--that way you aren't limited to the size of the little house. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BMW Posted November 23, 2010 Share Posted November 23, 2010 (edited) I have one that is a bit bigger in it's space... I keep my eyes out for months at a time for little things... It used to be that my son (youngest) LOVED quarter machine junk... like the gold and silver "jewelry"/crosses on string... goofy rubber aliens... etc. It was easy back then... This year I have some very cute silly erasers to go in about 7 of them... 4 very small ornaments he can add to the tree... 4 mega block halo men (might have to pull them apart at the waist for them to fit in)... and I will take 4 quarters and tape them together to put into a few of the spaces (he still asks for quarters all the time)... and I might get some individually wrapped small candy, like jolly ranchers or starburst to put into some, too... That's it so far. PS Last year he was SO excited about every little square... he could NOT stop peeking... it was totally adorable... This year I think I'll wrap each little thing in colored tissue, though. It's still so cute! I know this is his favorite part of the season. The other boys have their own advent calendars with little chocolates behind each number.... Edited November 23, 2010 by BMW Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosy Posted November 23, 2010 Share Posted November 23, 2010 We did one last year for the first time. We put in little papers with different activities for each day. Here is our list from last year (some ideas went over better than others!): Make Christmas chain Get Christmas books from the library Take Christmas pictures Drink Egg Nog Purge toys—get rid of 10 and get 1 new one Make gingerbread house Sing Christmas carols for someone Make ornaments Make Christmas cookies for someone Go to Sumner bridge Find out about Christmas in other countries Light candles and sing Christmas songs Watch Sufjan Christmas video Do a secret good deed Go for a walk Watch a Christmas movie and eat popcorn Make cards for teachers Make wrapping paper Wrap presents Make Christmas decorations Find out how candy canes are made Purge toys Make Christmas cookies Act out Christmas story Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6packofun Posted November 23, 2010 Share Posted November 23, 2010 (edited) Little scrolls with verses from the nativity story in Luke and Matthew to read? Advent is a Christian season so that's our focus, not on giving mini gifts for 25 days ;) although a little piece of candy is pretty traditional and we've done that in addition to a meaningful activity/Bible reading. Here is a schedule for reading, keeping in mind that Jesus' birth takes place half way through the month or so because the account of the shepherds, Herod and the magi come *after* and we like to include them. Feel free to rearrange, though, to get the "main event" at Christmas Eve/Christmas! LOL Some sections are longer to introduce a person and their story; the shorter sections are good for memorization if you'd like to do that. Daily Advent Readings for the Nativity Story Day 1 Luke 1:5-17 Zechariah and the angel Day 2 Luke 1:18-22 Zechariah unable to speak Day 3 Luke 1:23-25 Elizabeth becomes pregnant Day 4 Luke 1:26-28 Gabriel sent to Mary Day 5 Luke 1:29-33 Angel reassures Mary Day 6 Luke 1:34-38 Angel explains and Mary accepts Day 7 Luke 1:39-45 Mary meets Elizabeth, baby leaps for joy Day 8 Luke 1:46-50 Mary's Song (part), “will call me blessed” Day 9 Luke 1:51-56 Mary's Song (2nd part), God's goodness Day 10 Matthew 1:18-24 Joseph & the angel, Joseph & Mary marry Day 11 Luke 1:57-66 Elizabeth gives birth to John, Z. can speak! Day 12 Luke 1:67-75 Zechariah's Song (part), praise to God Day 13 Luke 1:76-80 Zechariah's Song (2nd part), John's ministry from God Day 14 Luke 2:1-3 The census Day 15 Luke 2:4-7 Joseph and Mary go to Bethlehem to register; JESUS IS BORN! Day 16 Luke 2:8-9 Shepherds afraid of angel of the Lord Day 17 Luke 2:10-12 Angel brings good tidings Day 18 Luke 2:13-14 “Glory to God in the highest!” (angels) Day 19 Luke 2:15-16 Shepherds go to Bethlehem Day 20 Luke 2:17-18 Shepherds spread the word about Jesus Day 21 Luke 2:19-20 “Mary treasured these things in her heart” Day 22 Matthew 2:1-2 King Herod Day 23 Matthew 2:3-6 Herod asks about Jesus, magi reply Day 24 Matthew 2:7-9 Herod sends Magi to Bethlehem Day 25 Matthew 2:10-12 Magi worship Jesus and give gifts Edited November 23, 2010 by 6packofun add Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xuzi Posted November 24, 2010 Share Posted November 24, 2010 We did one last year for the first time. We put in little papers with different activities for each day. Here is our list from last year (some ideas went over better than others!): Make Christmas chain Get Christmas books from the library Take Christmas pictures Drink Egg Nog Purge toys—get rid of 10 and get 1 new one Make gingerbread house Sing Christmas carols for someone Make ornaments Make Christmas cookies for someone Go to Sumner bridge Find out about Christmas in other countries Light candles and sing Christmas songs Watch Sufjan Christmas video Do a secret good deed Go for a walk Watch a Christmas movie and eat popcorn Make cards for teachers Make wrapping paper Wrap presents Make Christmas decorations Find out how candy canes are made Purge toys Make Christmas cookies Act out Christmas story I LOVE this list!!! We have one of those advent houses too, and last year I did Christ-centered scriptures, but I think my kids were too young to appreciate them. I think a list like the one above would be more engaging, and I can bring a Spiritual theme into it all (like the doing kind deeds for someone, and giving toys to GoodWill for kids whose parents can't afford to buy them new toys, etc.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DB in NJ Posted November 24, 2010 Author Share Posted November 24, 2010 You all have given me some great ideas! THANKS!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kristavws Posted November 24, 2010 Share Posted November 24, 2010 Great thread! Krista Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farrar Posted November 24, 2010 Share Posted November 24, 2010 We do one a day starting on the first of December and they're always treasure hunts. Each kid gets a clue from the door and follows it to another clue and then another and then another until they finally get to the prize. It's usually a little piece of Christmas candy or a Christmas cookie, but there's other stuff too - I've already gotten Christmas pencils and Christmas socks from the dollar section at Target for them to find. For us, the treasure hunt is about learning to read. We do these other times of the year too, but they get one every day as a special Christmas thing. The OP's kids are too old for this sort of thing, but for my kids last year (when they were 5 yo) this was a great reading practice thing - they had to follow the directions and read all the words to get to the next clue. Of course, if you make them a little tricky or cryptic, they can be fun for all ages. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosy Posted November 24, 2010 Share Posted November 24, 2010 I LOVE this list!!! We have one of those advent houses too, and last year I did Christ-centered scriptures, but I think my kids were too young to appreciate them. I think a list like the one above would be more engaging, and I can bring a Spiritual theme into it all (like the doing kind deeds for someone, and giving toys to GoodWill for kids whose parents can't afford to buy them new toys, etc.) Thanks! :) We do advent Scriptures at dinner with the wreath and the candles--I try to find a balance between fun and important. Fortunately they appreciate both. :) I just remember thinking about how we would spend the whole month shopping and planning and going to parties and events, and then try to convince the kids on the 25th that Christmas is "all about Jesus". Talk about a mixed message! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.