Happy December!

As a child, I always loved the month of December. I loved the snow, the break from school, the holiday traditions we had as a family, and of course, the advent calender.  Most years we made a green and red paper chain, and tore off a link each morning when we woke up. If we were lucky, we also got an advent calendar filled with chocolate (and yes, we got to eat it each morning!).
For the past 4 years, we have done a family time advent calendar with our children.... there is an owl for each day of the month through Christmas... and each owl holds a scroll that has a family activity for the day.
Today we decorated our tree. Some of the other ideas include making paper snowflakes, seeing the lights downtown, going out to a movie, decorating a gingerbread house, choosing and donating toys for children in need, and baking cookies. As this tradition has grown, we have learned to plan most things out only a day or two ahead of time. Weather and schedules can change plans and we have found it is easier to have a list to work from, and then piece it together as we go along.

Does your family have a special advent tradition?

And for those of you who read my last couple of posts.... I had a root canal done today and I am feeling worlds better! Thanks for all of your kind words!