Countdown to Christmas

I've been spending a little time on Pinterest lately. And let me tell you, it's addicting. I try to limit myself to just once a week because there are so many great ideas on there that it can be a bit overwhelming. I just want to do it all. And that's impossible. But, I can do a little bit more now than I used to, so I've been slowly collecting ideas that I'll get to eventually. :)

I also love Christmas. Lots! But it seems like over the past six years, I've either been pregnant and experiencing awful morning sickness or I've had a small baby during the holidays. And that can be exhausting. I feel like the past few years I haven't really had the holiday spirit as in years past. That all changed this year, thanks in large part to Pinterest. Suddenly, I couldn't wait for Christmas and the opportunity to try all my Christmas "pins!"

My big inspiration this year was an advent garland that I was intent on making and starting a new family tradition. I loved the idea of counting down the days to Christmas with an activity rather than a piece of chocolate or a small gift. Wouldn't it be more meaningful to DO something rather than eat something or get a cheap little toy that you just throw away? I kept thinking of these cute little knit mitten ornaments that we have on our tree, and I wanted to get more of them...enough to tuck a little strip of paper inside each one with a fun activity to get us in the holiday spirit. So that's what I did. With a few trips to the craft store and a few nights after the kids were in bed, I came up with this cute little advent garland, or Countdown to Christmas as we like to call it.

The kids are SO excited! They can't wait for December 1st! And I am just thankful that my Christmas spirit has returned in full force this year. :) This little countdown has it all--crafts, outings, treats, songs, and lots of fun for all of us. I have worked hard to come up with a great list of things to do for the next 24 days, and I can't wait to see how it all turns out!