Christmas Countdown

Help pass the days until Christmas with Advent activities.

Starting about a week before Christmas "when the kids are really antsy," Amy Rea, of suburban Minneapolis, brings out a new book each night at bedtime. Although her boys, ages 6 and 9, like to read, books sometimes get lost at Christmas amid Legos and video games, she says. The books get much more appreciation this way, Amy says, and it seems to take some of the sting out of waiting for Christmas. Here are some additional ways to count down to Christmas:

• For each child, hang 24 miniature Christmas stockings filled with small surprises that they can discover each day.
• Set up a miniature tree and give each child 24 ornaments to hang one day at a time. (Or, decorate a paper tree with daily stickers.)
• The Christmas season is a great time to remind kids that "Peace on Earth, goodwill toward men" includes their brothers and sisters. Have them draw a suggestion from a "good deed" basket each day in December. Together, brainstorm ideas such as "make your sister's bed" and "pick up toys without being asked."