Creative Advent Calendar Ideas

It's time to break out the family advent calendar and begin counting down the days to Christmas. But this year, instead of filling each day's slot with a piece of candy, why not get a little creative? Instead of just a sweet treat each day, plan 24 days of simple, family activities and enjoy making some holiday memories together. Day 1: Make a paper chain to hang around the house and to count down the days. Day 2: Go to the library and check out Christmas books and DVDs. Day 3: Have a YouTube night and share funny videos with each other. Day 4: Purchase 3 or 4 brands of egg nog and have a blind taste-test to determine the best. Day 5: Watch a holiday movie together. Day 6: Take a drive and scout out the best holiday lights in town. Day 7: Make and decorate Christmas cookies. Eat some, share some. Day 8: Make snowflakes to hang in the window. Day 9: Play holiday charades. Day 10: Attend a free community concert. Day 11: Make a red, white, and green meal. Day 12: Play holiday karaoke with your favorite albums. Day 13: Write a letter to someone you miss. Day 14: Invite friends over for an Ugly Holiday Sweater party. Day 15: Go to the mall and sit on Santa's lap. Day 16: Make giant mugs of hot chocolate and sip, sip, sip. Day 17: Pop some popcorn and watch a holiday special on TV. Day 18: Invite some friends for Christmas caroling. Day 19: Light a fire (or candles) and share your favorite holiday memories. Day 20: Find a snowy hill and go sledding. Day 21: Head downtown for last-minute shopping and the bustle of Christmas in the city. Day 22: Visit a nursing home or senior center and spread Christmas cheer. Day 23: Watch It's a Wonderful Life and wrap presents. Day 24: Open one present and have a pajama party, but don't stay up too late! Those are my ideas. What are yours? Please share!