Tomorrow is December 1st! The countdown to Christmas is officially here! Last year, we shared a Christmas Advent Countdown that has been really popular… this HUGE wooden advent calendar (as you can see by my 3-year-old in the picture):
This year we wanted to create a simple-to-make SMALLER Christmas countdown, perfect for your mantel, kitchen, a shelf, or kids room:
Nat found this adorable magnetic Chalkboard easel in the Target dollar spot. And YES they still have them! I went last night and they had just re-stocked and there were at least 20 of them on the shelves. We also grabbed a set of these wooden Christmas shapes and words at Target, both items were $3.
Then we designed this Christmas tree cut file to match our big countdown, and cut it out in white craft vinyl with our Cricut!
To cut this design, save the image below and open it in your cutting machine’s design program. The dimensions of your cut design should be a little smaller than 6″ x 8″ in order to fit the chalkboard easel from Target. You can size it as needed for whatever surface you are using!
Once the vinyl countdown design is cut and weeded, apply your transfer tape and then you are ready to place it on the easel. Make sure to rub over the design really well before you pull up the transfer tape. Here is what it looks like when it’s done!
I tried out the candy cane, but I think the wreath is so much cuter! The wooden shapes came in that bag from Target dollar spot, and the wreath is the perfect size to move around all the numbers. We added a small magnet to the back of the wreath with hot glue, and that’s it! The Christmas Tree Countdown is complete!
We are going to keep ours in the kitchen where we can all see it and have a chance to move the wreath each day. We will have our main countdown in the family room with a little stocking to move each day and something inside to read or do as a family.
There are so many amazing Christmas countdown and Advent ideas… I love seeing what other families do. Do you have a special tradition for you countdown? If so, what is it like? My daughter was complaining that we don’t get candy out of ours like her cousins do! I might sneak a few treats into the stocking this year….
I have really been trying to simplify this year and do less so I can enjoy the season more. We used to have an activity every single day of our countdown! It was a lot of fun, but a LOT of work and sometimes stress for me. So this year, I am having each kid and my husband and I choose our favorite activity/tradition (seven total) and we will spread those out throughout the month. I already feel such a sense of relief by eliminating the daily expectation of our previous years’ tradition. As a family, we will still get to do many fun activities and traditions we love, but we will have more time to just relax, enjoy being together and more time to serve others! (One of our favorite traditions is our Christmas Sock dance party!)
I love the “Light the World” campaign that our church has provided for families and children this year as a way to provide small acts of kindness and service daily in December. For more information on how you can serve 25 ways in 25 days, go to: https://www.mormon.org/christmas/25-ways-25-days
I absolutely LOVE this version for kids! We are totally going to try this one this year. The calendar was created by Emilie at Year of FHE, and it’s free to download and print!
Whatever traditions you are beginning at the start of this wonderful season, please take time to slow down and remember what is most important! Hold those little ones close, create memories, find those who are lonely or helpless and be a friend! Spend less on what isn’t needed, and give a gift to someone who may not have any other presents under the tree this year. Teach your loved ones of the true reason we celebrate and rejoice in the goodness and glory of an infant King, our Savior and Redeemer! I am so grateful for His earthly mission, for his example of perfect love and ministering to the “least of these.” I want to remember Him more than ever this year, and be where He would be, serving those who need Him most. I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas season with the people you love!
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