Even though there’s less than one week ’til the biggest shopping day of the year…you’ve still got time to create a holiday advent calendar! A fun holiday tradition for the entire family–counting down the days until Christmas morning finally arrives! Our family has made the advent part of our holiday traditions…I love searching for fun trinkets and treasures to fill the little bags and boxes that are cheerfully displayed and waiting to be opened! I also love the fact that it can reinforce the idea of thoughtfulness over the actual gift! Let’s face it…with Christmas morning following 24 days of advent-who wants to spend that kind of money and, more importantly, who wants their kids to think its a gift-giving frenzy?! Yet still, it’s a sweet sentiment and a fun way to greet each day of December! You can find lots of simple, inexpensive treats…especially when children are young! But even as they grow it isn’t hard to find wonderful and thoughtful gifts…slip in a “coupon” for a special activity or a treat at their favorite restaurant! This year we’re adding “giving coupons” to our advent with instructions for doing something nice for others tucked in amongst the tiny treats. No matter what you choose to fill the little packages it’s a fun way to stretch that holiday cheer throughout the entire month! So find what works for you and watch how wonderfully special an advent can be!