You see, we have this Christmas countdown calendar box/thing, which in retrospect, had I realized the commitment I was getting myself into, I probably wouldn't have bought. Anyway, each year I am obligated to fill all the little compartments with something for each day until Christmas. It's not easy to find 25 small "things", let me tell ya.
In the past I have bought little toys or candies. But, my daughter needs 25 more little "doo dads" that are just going to end up on the floor in her closet like I need a hole in the head. And she's still got a ton of candy from Halloween, so I didn't really want to go the candy route. On top of it, because of our "cabin" in the Adirondacks we're building, we're really kinda trying to ratchet things down to "super frugal" mode. So I was trying to think of what on earth I could put in those little compartments... I ended up deciding to buy some Christmas stickers, cut some of them out, then drew a "calendar" with a spot for a sticker each day (which you can see in the top photo of this post). So each day she would get a sticker to put on the "calendar". Then I colored it with my crayons. Yes, I have my own personal box of crayons. Don't you?
I was a tiny bit worried when my daughter came home that she might be disappointed that it was stickers in the countdown calendar box instead of something more fabulous, but, she was actually thrilled with my idea and said she loved it. Woot!
Well, at least my artistic "talent" comes in handy for something now and then. It's not a cure for cancer or acne like md clear, or a magic weight loss pill, but hey, I solved my problem, LOL.
This is one of those times that I think to myself, those of you women out there that are reading this that work full time and have successful careers must think to themselves, "So that's what stay at home moms do besides watch the soaps and eat bon bons - they make little crafts and color with crayons!" Honestly, sometimes I do question what is the value of the things I do compared to what working women do.
Anyway, do you have any sort of "countdown to Christmas" tradition or calendar?
The end.
Your calendar is SUPERB!!!! What a great idea.
ReplyDeleteOMG I majored in art in high school. I had my own crayons (a nice set, too) until we moved here. I've been so busy renovating that I never have time for drawing or coloring anymore. When the kids were very small, I once drew this huge map on a large sheet of posterboard, so they could run their Matchbox cars on it. I loved playing that thing...
I'm impressed-- a degree in graphic arts?!?! Wow!! I never went to college...
That is gorgeous!! Oh and btw, I have my own box of crayons, and colored sharpies too. I'm a black thumb in art but I love color. :)
ReplyDeleteConsider yourself VERY lucky to be a Stay-at-home Mom and never think twice that you're not doing enough or it isn't really "working". I was able to stay at home, too, and I see the results in my 25 and 23 year old sons. This is one of the best times in your life....cherish it.
ReplyDeleteWe've been counting down Christmas using a hand made Advent calendar created by a crafting circle at my church. Even though the boys are grown, I still place the velcro backed felt ornaments onto the felt Christmas tree. It wouldn't be Christmas time without it.
OH boy, do I remember those days of trying to think of something to fill the countdown calendar! Great idea.
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