Countdown to Christmas

I know, I know.  It's not even Thanksgiving yet.  But...

1.  I'm a planner.

2.  The next 6 weeks are CRAZY busy in our world.  On top of it being my busiest season at work, we are traveling for Thanksgiving, celebrating Jack's 3rd birthday, celebrating Drew's 30-something birthday, celebrating my 30-something birthday, attending work holiday parties, hosting a holiday party and ohmygosh I'm tried just thinking about it so I have no choice but to start planning now!

3.  I LOVE this time of year.

And while I thought I loved this time of year before, I love it exponentially now that I have an almost three-year-old who is starting to really "get" Christmas.  I absolutely can't wait to experience this holiday season through his eyes.

Which brings me to the Countdown to Christmas.

A holiday tradition I've been anxious to start is an advent calendar.  We had a version of one when I was a kid. {Remember Mom/Dad/Nikki/Matt?  I think it was an old felt Santa Clause and we always tied 25 mini candy canes to it and counted down the days in December.}  For our purposes, rather than candy or treats to count down the days, I want to fill the advent calendar with activities.  Things we can do as a family to celebrate the season.  Jack was too little to grasp the concept last year, but this year the timing is just right.

I scoured pinterest for inspiration and decided on a version that will work perfectly for us.  In other words, I can pre-plan daily activities for Dec. 1-25, but still have the flexibility to "adjust" the tasks if our schedule/time/patience level requires.  That part was key for this working Mom.

Here's what I've come up with so far:

• Watch the animated light display
• Visit Santa
• Make Christmas cookies
• Pick out a toy and donate to Toys for Tots
• Deliver treats to the neighbors
• Decorate a tree for Jack's room
• Read 'Twas the Night Before Christmas
• Make treats for Jack's teachers
• Stuff, label and mail Christmas cards
• Write a letter to Santa
• Watch a Christmas movie
• Unwrap and read a new Christmas book (this could be repeated a few times)
• Dance to Christmas music

I thought about wrapping up a few chachkies (Christmas socks, candy canes, ornaments, etc.) and adding Unwrap a Christmas surprise to the list for days that I need a filler.  But I'm second guessing that one.  I hesitate to put any more focus on receiving "gifts" when there's so much of that already. 

So I need your help. 

What am I missing?  What are some of your favorite holiday traditions?  What other ideas do you have to fill the 25 days leading up to Christmas?  Especially things that can easily be accomplished on a weekday, with a 3-year-old, when we're only home for about 3 hours before bedtime.  Comment away...I can't wait to hear your ideas!

It's about to get busy in our little world.  But I'll do my best to keep you posted on all of the happenings as The Elser Family counts down to Christmas!