As of yesterday morning I wasn’t prepared. I didn’t have an advent calendar. I didn’t have a list of activities to help us ready our home, prepare for Christmas, and enjoy the magic of the season. And the one, lonely, Thanksgiving decoration still hung on the door.
But, it was the first of December and I knew I had to get my rear into gear.
I flipped on some Christmas music and began what I hope will be a tradition in our family. Even though it was a random Wednesday, I set about making a special breakfast. A breakfast that is usually reserved for weekends. A breakfast that made my husband a little late to work.
A dutch baby pancake, the loftiest one I’ve ever made, thanks to a little helper who just couldn’t stop himself from making the blender go! Homemade strawberry sauce. Cut up fruit.
After such a festive beginning, it was easy to be inspired to continue. Once inspiration struck, Ewan and I set about making our advent calendar. I wanted him to be involved, I wanted the display to be something he could interact with, and I wanted the activities to be flexible, so that I reserve the right to change my mind if I’m too tired for an involved and ambitious activity and switch to something a little more low-key.
What we came up with was this little number.
Ewan painted a large sheet of newsprint. Aaron cut it into a pleasing Christmas tree shape. I made the ornaments, one for each day. Ewan glued them on.
The remaining days are blank. Each evening, or more likely morning, I’ll come up with something. I have a few things in mind and I may refer to some other sources of inspiration as well. I’ll write it on and Ewan will add the ornament to the tree.
Simple. Easy Peasy. Just like that, I feel back on track. Ready to countdown the days until Christmas. Ready to really introduce our little one to this season and all the joy that comes with it.
