Advent calendars are a must during the holiday season. I, particularly like any of the advent calendars with a heavy focus around chocolate. However this year I decided to switch it up and create a calendar to spend time with those I love.

You can do this calendar on your own, with your significant other, best friend, or your entire family.

On the 1st day of Christmas

Make classic holiday decorations.

Here’s some ideas to get you started...
-string popcorn to hang on the tree
-make a rosemary and dried orange garland
-go forging and collect some fresh evergreen branches for a mantle decoration or classic wreath

On the 2nd day of Christmas

Order in some food and watch your favorite holiday movies.

When in doubt just flip on the Hallmark channel otherwise here’s a list of some of my favorites...

-Home Alone 1 & 2
-Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
-National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
-The Santa Claus
-It’s a Wonderful Life

On the 3rd day of Christmas

Crafting alone, together, or along side someone is is an amazing way to relax while making something useful or cute. Head over to your local craft store and you can find the materials you need or even pre-made kits to complete your craft. Or you can always scroll through Pinterest to get some ideas. Here are some I would love to try,

-Candle making (especially with holiday scents)
-painting projects or a paint by numbers
-soap making

On the 4th day of Christmas

With 2020 being a different kind of year many people are decorating their houses earlier, bigger, and better than ever before! Take full advantage of this and drive around to see Christmas lights.

Visit Christmas Light Finder to find a display near you!

On the 5th day of Christmas

Tasting boards are so much fun! You can purchase already made tasting boards or create your own. There are endless choices for a taste board, the only requirement is that it is the same food just different types.

Here’s some ideas:
-chocolate
-cheese
-fast food burgers, fries, or chicken nuggets -pie
-milkshakes

On the 6th day of Christmas

Do an active winter activity.

Winter is normally the time to stay in and get cozy but switch it up by having a day filled with adventure.

-bundle up and take a walk on a local trail or even just around the neighborhood
-go ice skating
-check local ice skating rinks and see if ice hockey is available -play in the snow
-snowshoe hiking

On the 7th day of Christmas

Try an ambitious recipe! Follow directions step by step and see if you can accomplish a difficult recipe.

Here’s some recipes I’d like to try....
-baked Alaska
-Beef Wellington
-homemade biscuits and apple butter
-macaroons
-New York style cheesecake

On the 8th day of Christmas

Christmas is the season of giving! Some states are still following coronavirus restrictions but that doesn’t have to get in your way with volunteering!

-adopt a family
-fill out shoeboxes with Operation Christmas Child
-drop off supplies for new moms at your local pregnancy center

On the 9th day of Christmas

Winter is the time for cozy comforts. Get into a Hygge state of mind by setting up ambience with a cozy fire, candles, or fairy lights. Cuddle up with an oversized sweater, blanket, or robe while sipping your favorite warm drink. Read classic novels or one of the latest best sellers with your favorite person.

On the 10th day of Christmas

Charcuterie Boards are a hodgepodge of delicious and can be altered to any theme or flavor combination. Combine your board with a bunch of your favorite board games and you’re in for a fun night!

Pro tip: avoid Monopoly at all costs.

On the 11th day of Christmas

Binge watch the Holiday Baking Championship on the Food Network while creating your own holiday creations in the kitchen. You can bake a few different types of Christmas cookies, holiday fudge, or a gingerbread house. Don’t feel like baking from scratch? Pop in a few pre-made holiday cookies or decorate a gingerbread house with a store bought kit.

On the 12th day of Christmas

Make a photo collage of your favorite memories throughout the year. You can also do a video/photo compilation with iMovie. I love using the iMovie trailers to make end of the year reviews that are quick and fun to watch.

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!