This year, everyone in the family has an advent calendar to look forward to. Mike has an Espresso calendar from 19 Grams Coffee. Casey has a library book advent calendar created by yours truly. And I have my usual, if not overly optimistic, definitely free list of activities to do this advent season.
This tradition started five years ago when I published my first advent calendar online. At the time, the list was an attempt at slowing down. This year, it has quite the opposite effect. I am quite short on time now that I have a 7 month old to attend to. In order to do the calendar, I have to find the time. The purpose of the advent calendar has changed for me. This year, it symbolizes an intention to make memories during the holidays. I mean, it is better than whiling away on my phone.
My 2023 Activity Advent Calendar
- Go on Casey’s first hike
- Attend a holiday market
- Make an ornament with Casey
- Bake cookies
- Spend some quiet time
- Watch a holiday movie
- Wear pajamas all day
- See neighborhood lights
- Read a Christmas book
- Play a boardgame after dinner
- Cook a warming soup or stew
- Takeout at home and candlelight
- Make pizza
- Take a dip in the jacuzzi
- Donate to a toy drive
- Pick oranges from the grove and make orange juice
- Turn up the records
- Work on a puzzle
- Declutter to make space for holiday gifts
- Roast marshmallows at a bonfire pit
- Take Casey to the Newport Boat Parade
- Visit Santa
- Since Christmas carols while Mike plays the piano
- Make hot cocoa and take an evening stroll
Per usual, my advent calendar has no dates attached to it. This prevents the pressure of getting things done by a certain time. The holidays are busy and stressful enough as it is. Instead, this list is something to pull from when we have down-time. In previous years, I accomplish a majority of the items on it. If I don’t get to them all, that is quite alright too. The point isn’t to do more per se. Rather, to create the memories of your choosing.
