We were inspired by Tricia at Little Eco Footprints to make our own version of her “calm and creative” natural advent calendar, so last week we gathered leaves from around our neighborhood, numbered them, and strung them on a piece of twine. Tricia shares all sorts of wonderful “quick and simple activities” to do in the evenings each day. However, I took a quicker and even simpler approach (read: scrapped together at the last minute) and told Ezra that we would “sing a Christmas song, tell a Christmas story, or make a Christmas craft” each day.
He was thrilled at that idea. So the first evening, as we untied our leaf, I asked, “What would you like to do tonight to celebrate?”
“Make a Christmas raft,” Ezra exclaimed.
“You mean a Christmas craft?”
He gave me a funny look.
And that, future house guests, is why we have the oddly strung together chopstick contraption in our bathtub.
I hope you too are finding delight in unexpected places this holiday season.
Here are a few more inspiring ideas for simple and joyful December celebrations:
- 35 Meaningful December Traditions for Families by Dr. Laura Markham
- 8 Tips to De-Stress the Holidays by Dr. Laura Markham
- Gift Experiences, Not Stuff by The Minimalists
- 15 Simple Christmas Gift Ideas by Shalom Mama
I think your ‘quicker and even simpler approach’ is a wise one. My daughter and I have been giggling at how hopeless we have been at keeping up with our creative craft. We miss a few days and then have a crafting binge to catch up 😉
Ha. Yes, I feared that just remembering to remove the leaves each day would be a triumphant achievement. But, any excuse for a crafting binge is a good one, right?
Maybe you’ve just begun a new Christmas tradition — the Christmas raft. 😉 Also, thanks for introducing me to Dr. Laura Markham–I’m finding her site very helpful!
Oh yes, I do believe we will be making more Christmas rafts. And, you’re welcome! I was pleased to discover her work recently as well.
Oh my word. I love the “Christmas raft”!