If Christmas is your favorite holiday, raise your hand. Just know my hand is raised. Christmas is also my kids’ favorite holiday, which is why I got the idea recently to make this Christmas extra special for them.

For the most part, kids are easy to please. Whether it’s watching a movie together or playing a game, the simple things like that go a long way and make their day. My kids have adjusted to being older siblings so well since the twins arrived earlier this year. This holiday season, I plan to create a 25 days of Christmas, instead of just 1 day, to shower them with quality time. I can’t wait to see the look of excitement on their face when I announce it to them on December 1st.

So what do you mean by 25 Days of Christmas you may be saying. Don’t get overwhelmed. I’m not saying give gifts and spend a bunch of money for 25 days in a row. I’m actually saying the exact opposite. I’m advocating for intentional and fun things to do with and/or for your kids (or yourself) that can be low or no cost.

Here’s how it works:

1. Pick an activity to do everyday leading up to Christmas (December 1st - 24th) for yourself and/or your kids/loved ones. The activity can be gift giving, baking, holiday fun, sharing a handwritten note, or anything on your heart to do. Note, the activities don’t have to be holiday themed, but should be intentional.

2. Give gifts as you normally would on Christmas Day to culminate the 25 day celebration.

Here are a few tips to make this an intentional, yet light lift for you in terms of planning and executing:

• Be realistic with yourself! You don’t want to start something that you can’t finish, as that will disappoint your kids. Pick easy to execute ideas.

• Plan your activities in advance in lieu of day of as much as you can. However, don’t share the activities in advance with your kids. Each day should be a fun surprise for them. This will really foster that magic that Christmas naturally brings. If your kids are like mine though, you can preface that the activities will be small to tailor expectations, so they don’t think they are getting big ticket items each day lol.

• It may also be helpful to pick a few categories for your activities, so you aren’t stretched for ideas. Examples could be: Treats | Games | Movies | Gifts | Fun Outdoors.

• Don’t overthink it! This should spark joy, not stress, so have fun with it! Also, give yourself grace. If you need to change up the activity 1 day because life happened, don’t beat yourself up.

I’m putting the finishing touches on my list of activities today, but here are a few on the list that you are welcome to try, too:

1. Bake a holiday/seasonal dessert together

2. Bake and decorate Christmas cookies

3. Movie Marathon Sleepover in the Living Room with popcorn, featuring Home Alone 1 and 2

4. Small gifts from 5 Below

5. Put a note of love and appreciation on their nightstand for them to see and read when they wake up

6. Cook a holiday breakfast together

7. Take family holiday photos

8. Play Monopoly

9. Check out a local, family friendly holiday event

10. Create vision boards

11. Trip to Sky Zone

12. Decorate our Christmas Tree

13. Kids choice of fun game or activity in the house with no tv and Christmas music playing

14. Trip to Sweet Frog

I hope these tips help and that you enjoy creating your own 25 days of Christmas! I would love to see what you come up with me, so please tag me on Instagram if you try this. Share in the comments any activities you’re putting on your list.

Have a glowing day!