I think I got this idea from Martha Stewart years ago--but could not find it anywhere on the internet!
Just wrap tiny matchboxes with paper and add a tag with ribbon. Then attach the box to the tree using a small piece of wire.
In years past I would put a small piece of candy inside for the kids to enjoy each day, but as we added to the family I found it was hard to fit 4 pieces of anything inside these tiny boxes. Last year I decided to add strips of paper to each bag with a fun activity to do each day.
Here is our list this year:1. Play a game in front of the fire.
2. Address & send out Christmas cards
3. Make some Christmas candy.
4. Shovel someone's walkway.
5. Read in Luke 2, then act out the Nativity scene.
6. Make gingerbread houses.
7. Donate food for the food drive.
8. Read a Christmas story.
9. Make some reindeer food.
10. Take a drive to see the Christmas lights.
11. Build a snowman.
12. Make a treat for someone in the neighborhood.
13. Donate to Toys for Tots.
14. Listen to Christmas music.
15. Sing a Christmas song.
16. Make gifts to give to the kids' teachers.
17. Be a secret Santa for a single person in the neighborhood.
18. Go sledding.
19. Have a snowball fight.
20. Read a Christmas book.
21. Put a puzzle together.
22. Watch 'Christmas Vacation'
23. Make cookies for Santa.
24. Read 'Twas the Night before Christmas' and set out cookies and reindeer food.
This year I decided to add in a few service oriented activities along with the fun ones. I think it is really great to let kids have the chance to do nice things for other people, but sometimes it's hard to find things for little kids to do. What simple things do you do with your kids?
This year I decided to add in a few service oriented activities along with the fun ones. I think it is really great to let kids have the chance to do nice things for other people, but sometimes it's hard to find things for little kids to do. What simple things do you do with your kids?
This is such a sweet tradition and one that your kids will have wonderful memories of. The little boxes are SO cute!
ReplyDeleteXO,
Jane
Hi! Just found your blog!! I'm lovin your projects here and this advent tree is just so sweet - I linked it to my 'advent calendars' post too!!
ReplyDeletethis is adorable! I love the whole look of it! I'm going to start hoarding my match boxes!!!!
ReplyDeleteThat is such a great idea, so inventive and so pretty!!
ReplyDeleteYou are a busy bee! This is great, too! And I adore your list....very similar to ours. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! Years from now your kiddos will remember the special activities on those little slips of paper far longer than a piece of candy!
ReplyDeletelove the idea of adding notes of activities to the boxes. really cute!
ReplyDeleteWhat a cute idea! So cute :)
ReplyDeletelove it. so cute!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI love your little match box advent tree, what a clever idea! I just found your blog and love it! I'm now a new follower and can't wait to see more of your ideas!!
ReplyDeleteMy children are all grown up but we had an advent tree for years. It was time for us to spend time together and remember the real reason for Christmas. When my girls got older we also made each of them write a memory of something they did with each family member. It was amazing to read the special times that each of our kids enjoyed with each other and with my husband and I. I wrapped each memory in a little box and we enjoyed recalling the times we spent together.
ReplyDelete