Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

• leftover envelopes
• reusable adhesive tabs or tape
• marker
• leftover paper scraps
• number stickers (optional)

Step 2: Stick It to the Wall

I used reusable adhesive tabs to attach each of the envelopes to the wall in our dining room. I transferred them from the floor to the wall in the exact same layout, resulting in a fun colorful tree!

Step 3: Number the Envelopes

I had a lot of leftover scrap-booking number stickers that were never used, I decided these would be perfect for labeling each of my envelopes – randomly 1-25.

Step 4: Choose Your Activities

I used pieces of leftover scrap-booking paper cut into smaller rectangles and leftover stationary to write 25 fun holiday activities that my family could do together during December. In case you need some ideas, here are my 25:

1. Camp out under the Christmas tree
2. Host our annual holiday party for family and friends
3. Walk around our neighborhood to see the holiday lights with mugs of cocoa
4. Write and send our holiday cards
5. Watch A Charlie Brown Christmas
6. Bake holiday cookies and treats
7. Have a snowflake making party
8. Make recycled ornaments for the tree
9. Ride the Polar Express (Watch the movie with cocoa, cookies and tickets)
10. Surprise mini-local vacation
11. Fold origami for the tree
12. Make organic pomanders for our home
13. Watch Home Alone and drink Soy Nog
14. Wrap our holiday gifts
15. Decorate the Christmas Tree
16. Watch Holiday Movies
17. Host a hot cocoa and cookie exchange
18. Bake and decorate gingerbread men
19. Make candy cane play dough
20. Make recycled paper trees for the mantle
21. Family Volunteer Project
22. Make recycled snow globes
23. Make a gingerbread house
24. Build a LEGO Christmas Village
25. Host a family game night

Step 5: Add Your Activities

Once you have written each of your activities on a piece of paper, slip it inside an envelope, and seal it. I plan each activity ahead of time – that way my son will open the correct envelope for a day that we have time to do that particular activity.

Step 6: Enjoy Advent as a Family

Enjoy celebrating the entire month of December with fun family activities! This is a great way to really get the most out of December.