It is soon coming round to that time of year again when things start to ramp up for the festive season. We plan so much to do and get prepared that we need to make a start as soon as Halloween is over. Yes, one of our new traditions is putting the tree up on the 1st of November…
Hear me out!
How many times have you sat in the middle zone between Halloween and Christmas thinking, how many days until I can put the tree up? Heck, just go for it, who cares if you do it now or later? Its your house and if something pretty makes you happy then do it!
We spend a whole day decorating the tree and living room. Making paper chains to hang from the ceiling like I use to when I was little. Bonding time over something like this is fun and obviously if you pop on a Christmas movie, make some hot chocolate and have fun with it it takes the stress out of making sure everything is perfect.
Our Advent is a little different too. For a long time we have bought the kids chocolate calendars but also created a book advent too. This year I have changed it up a little. As it is just the 2 girls at home and they are getting a little older now we have added in a few games, jigsaws and crafts to do each day too.
The 24 gifts are all wrapped and tied with string, a pretty little wooden tag detailing the date. Each day the girls get to unwrap one gift and we either sit together and read or play or create. Again this is another great time you can spend together and it builds up the excitement of Christmas day arriving. The books and jigsaws are purchased either during sales or from the Works etc when they have offers so it really doesn’t need to be expensive either.
We love to match! Have done ever since the boys were little too. We would always try to have matching pjs, Santas little helpers etc. This year I have found the most amazing and funny family Christmas shirts. I love a good quote or slogan on a t-shirt or pjs, especially if everyone is on theme!
It does start to work out expensive when you have multiple children to buy for but personalized Christmas pajamas would look so cute in Christmas eve boxes. Imagine the photo ops too! Visiting family is so much more fun too if you walk in with matching family Christmas shirts, seeing everyones faces when they realise you are all wearing similar items and making people laugh is part of the season too!
This one is either love or hate! Elf on the Shelf! We have managed to avoid doing this for the past few years but the girls have requested we have one of the Elves visit this year and who am I to refuse! I love a good prank as much as anyone and figuring out what to do with these little rascals keeps me on my toes.
Finding something new for the Elf to get up to each day is a challenge some times but there are so many websites out there with ideas. A quick google and you will be inundated with ideas! I will be sure to share some of ours here too!
Do you have any traditions at Christmas? Have you always done them or is it something you are just starting?
