Advent Calendar - starting a tradition

I have a very fond memory of advent calendars from my childhood, you know the ones with the little tiny chocolates. I love the idea of creating our own family traditions and an advent calendar was a great place to start. After searching and searching - I settled on something simple that could be easily packed up each year.

I went with a combination of activities and small gifts and so far (at Day 10) it is a very exciting time each morning. I had my sister (Miss P's aunt) and grandma send some items in the mail and plan to expand on this by asking other family who we are not with at Christmas to send some items with notes.

Supplies:

• Wooden Shapes x 24
• Paint
• Clothes pins

Day 1 - Letter to Santa

Day 2 - Smarties (to share with Mommy on her bday)

Day 3 - New hair clips

Day 4 - Tattoos

Day 5 - Paint with water coloring book (great day time activity with the hubby)

Day 6 - New undies

Day 7 - Paint your toenails

Day 8 - Race Car

Day 9 - New Christmas socks (perfect timing because it snowed today)

Day 10 - 400 stickers (only a gift an Aunt could give)

Day 11- Tattoos

Day 12 - Make your own bird classes

Reading intently

Day 13 - Gliding bird

Day 14 - Piggie bath sponge

Day 15 - Go for drive with mommy and look at the Christmas lights

Day 16 - Grandma and Grandpa arrive from Australia, as a special treat have hot chocolate at the airport

Day 17 - Gift from Amy & Grandma T, Harmonica

Day 18 - Bath Sponges