Tomorrow is the first day of December and do you know what that means?!? There are only 25 more days until Christmas! Before I met Duncan, I never really made a big deal about Christmas. November and December are my busiest work months of the year, so most days I was too tired and unmotivated to celebrate the Christmas season. That all changed when I met Duncan. It’s definitely his favorite time of year. And I love how much he LOVES it.
Since getting married, we’ve started our own Christmas traditions. That includes celebrating Christmas all month long. I’m really enjoying celebrating Christmas and the advent season. Sure, it’s a little more effort than I’m used to. But, the joy and happiness we receive from that effort are more than worth it. And now that we have Four, Christmas traditions and activities are even more important to us. We love seeing Christmas through his eyes.
This year, I created a December activity calendar to help us experience Christmas joy every day leading up to Christmas. Some of the activities are easy and simple. And some need a little more prep. I’ve listed out each activity below along with some inspiration to help you (and me) prepare for each day. I will also be sharing our daily activities throughout the month. Have a great month of December and Merry (early) Christmas! Ps – Be sure to scroll to the bottom for a printable calendar.
Daily Christmas Activities
December 1st: Light a Christmas Candle
Scent can bring back good memories of Christmas. It can also put you in a good mood. I love lighting this candle and this candle during the holidays. They are both super calming and cheerful!
December 2nd: Make a Christmas Playlist
Duncan is the best at making playlists! He includes some classic songs, a few new ones, and a few throwbacks. I suggest creating a playlist with your favorite Christmas songs. Or, there are some great options on Spotify already. If you love Christmas classics, then this playlist is for you. Or, if you’re more into country Christmas, then this playlist is a great option for you.
December 3rd: Pay for Someone’s Coffee
One of the things I like most about the Christmas season is how generous people are. We show generosity by getting gifts for loved ones or by helping out a total stranger. I love showing the love of Jesus to others. And that can be as easy as buying someone else coffee. If you are going through a drive-through, simply pay for your coffee and the person behind you in line.
December 4th: Drink Hot Cocoa by the Fire
This is a classic Christmas activity that I LOVE. I will make any excuse to sit by the fire. If you are looking for a pre-made hot cocoa mix, we use this one. Or, if you want to make your own hot cocoa from scratch, this recipe looks delicious.
December 5th: Make a Stovetop Potpourri
I’ve never made a stovetop potpourri, but they always look so fun to do! I love the idea of using fresh items to create a unique smell for our house. I plan on using the same recipe every year with the hope of creating joy for Duncan and Four. I hope in 20 years they still talk about the smell and the memories we created. Below are a few recipes that look great!
This recipe uses a few branches from your Christmas tree (how fun!). I can just imagine the smell now.
Photo source: Cooking with Janice
This recipe uses a slow cooker. It includes all of the classic Christmas smells. You could also package the ingredients up and gift the potpourri to friends and family.
Photo source: Flavour & Savour
This recipe looks like it would create a fresh fruity smell due to the addition of apples and grapefruit.
Photo source: Natural Beach Living
December 6th: Wear Christmas Pajamas
I’ve been wearing Christmas pajamas since October of this year. Yes, I know, that’s a bit too early. But I just LOVE Christmas pajamas. It’s so fun to match with Four each night. Sometimes Duncan will even join in the matching outfits. Below are my favorite pajamas for the season.
December 7th: Wear Christmas Socks
This is an easy way to share Christmas cheer. Buy a pair for yourself and a friend. Every time I put on a pair of Christmas socks, it makes me smile. Why wouldn’t you want to share that feeling?
December 8th: Display Your Christmas Cards
By this time of the month, you have probably received several Christmas cards or you’re expecting a few in the coming weeks. Displaying your Christmas cards is an easy way to decorate for Christmas. Plus, you get to see all your friends and family all month long. Check out below for some inspiration!
Photo source: Minted
Photo source: I2
Photo source: Imperfectly Wonderful World
Photo source: Andrea’s Notebook
December 9th: Make Christmas Cookies
Making Christmas cookies can be a lot of fun. Get your kids involved or ask a few friends over for a glass of wine and some baking. Christmas cookies can also be a great hostess gift for the Christmas parties you attend this month. The recipes below look SO yummy.
Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe
Photo source: Sugar Spun Run
Gingerbread Cookie Recipe
Photo source: Sally’s Baking Addiction
Linzer Cookies
Photo source: Also The Crumbs
Peanut Butter Blossoms
Photo source: The Chunky Chef
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Photo source: Chef Savvy
December 10th: Make a New Christmas Cocktail
There are only 2 weeks left until Christmas Eve, so it’s time to celebrate! Today, make a Christmas cocktail. Below are a few recipes to try.
Mistletoe Martini
Photo source: Mix That Drink
Christmas Margarita
Photo source: A Couple Cooks
Eggnog Cocktail
Photo source: A Farm Girls Dabbles
Grinch Punch
Photo source: Simplistically Living
Espresso Martini
Photo source: Delish
Cranberry Mimosas
Photo source: Delish
Peppermint White Russian
Photo source: The Forked Spoon
December 11th: Decorate Gingerbread Houses
This is a fun activity for kids and adults. This kit has everything you need to make the ultimate gingerbread house. Or, if you want to make your own cookies for the house, these cookie cutters are perfect.
December 12th: Watch a Christmas Movie
There are so many Christmas movies to watch this time of year. You could easily turn on the hallmark channel and watch what is currently on. Or, watch a classic like The Grinch, The Holiday or Elf. Watching your favorite movie is a good way to relax for a few hours during a very busy season.
December 13th: Leave a Thank You Note For The Person That Delivers Your Mail, Collects Your Trash, and Delivers Your Packages
I am so grateful for the people that help our household run. That includes the mail delivering person, trash collector, and delivery drivers. They work long hours and drive in not-so-great conditions sometimes. The least we can do is thank them for their help. Leave a thank you note (and gift if you want) for these people. The small gesture is easy for you to do and can mean so much to that person.
December 14th: Wrap Presents
This year I finished my Christmas shopping early. I didn’t want to run into any shipping or out-of-stock issues. So, I purchased everything ahead of time. The next step is to wrap everything. If you’re looking for wrapping paper inspiration, check out this post.
December 15th: Have the Kids Write a Letter to Santa and/or You Can Write a Letter to Jesus Thanking Him for All of This Year’s Blessings
While the Christmas season can be fun and eventful, it also goes by SO fast. Take some time to thank Jesus for everything he has done for you and your family this year. No matter what this year brought for you, we’ve all experienced small (and big) blessings. Now is a great time to appreciate those blessings and show gratitude to God.
While you are writing your letter, have your kids write their letter to Santa. There are several drop-off locations for letters to Santa in each state. Google your location for the closet drop-off location.
December 16th: Do A Random Act Of Kindness
I encourage you to show kindness each day this month. Today, I challenge you to go out of your way for someone else. That could be picking up your neighbor’s kids from school, volunteering your time, donating clothes to a homeless shelter or anything kind that speaks to you.
December 17th: Make Mulled Wine
We are now one week away from Christmas Eve. This Friday, celebrate by making mulled wine. Below are a few yummy recipes.
Gimme Some Oven Mulled Wine Recipe
Photo source: Gimme Some Oven
Love and Lemons Mulled Wine Recipe
Photo source: Love and Lemons
The Forked Spoon Mulled Wine Recipe
Photo source: The Forked Spoon
December 18th: Go Ice Skating
This is one of my favorite Christmas pastimes. There is just something about going ice skating with friends or family. I guarantee that you will laugh and have an overall good time.
December 19th: Hang Mistletoe
Mistletoe is great for two reasons. First, it encourages people to show each other they love each other. Secondly, it’s fun getting people under the mistletoe without their knowledge. I love this Christmas tradition and will continue hanging it year after year.
December 20th: Drink Eggnog
This can be a touchy subject. For some reason, eggnog can be very divisive. You either love it or you hate it. If you are one of those people that loves eggnog, have a glass today.
December 21st: Drive Around To Look At Christmas Lights
This is a fun, free activity for the whole family. After dinner, everyone hops in the car and tours some of the neighborhoods around you. Or, if you are looking for the best lights in the city, google the best Christmas light displays in your town.
December 22nd: Give a Gift To Someone In Need
There are several ways to do this. You could adopt a family from your church. You could call a local non-profit and ask for what they need. Or, you could drop off a check at the local soup kitchen. As you prepare to celebrate with your family and friends in the next few days, remember that there are so many people that need help and don’t have the opportunities that we have. Help make someone’s Christmas special this year by giving a gift to someone in need.
December 23rd: Wear an Ugly Christmas Sweater
For a lot of you, this is the last day of work before Christmas. Wear an ugly Christmas sweater to work or to the grocery store or to wherever you plans may lead. Wearing an ugly Christmas Sweater is a fun way to spread Christmas cheer to anyone you interact with that day.
December 24th: Attend a Candlelight Christmas Service
Most churches offer candlelight services on Christmas Eve. It’s a fun service to attend with friends and/or family. At the beginning of the service everyone is handed a candle that is used during the service. The light resembles the light that Jesus brought into the world when he was born.
December 25th: Have a Birthday Party for Jesus
Merry Christmas! Enjoy your day and remember the reason for the season!
Calendar Download
Click the photo to download a printable version of the calendar to hang in your house. I plan on checking my calendar every Sunday to plan our Christmas activities for the week.
