Thank you, thank you for sharing this video. In the past, Christmas was crazy busy and had no traditions but thanks to COVID-19 I have plenty of time. I’ve followed your tradition ideas and my 2 daughters love it!!! We are making new beautiful memories and this is all because of you. So much appreciated!! Sincerely Ela
Ah that is so lovely to hear thank you so much for sharing Ela. It's so nice for making memories isn't it? The activities are all simple but lots of fun. Wishing you a merry Christmas.
Perfect timing. Doing this for the first time this year as our son is old enough now to do lots of the activities. Doing it for the same reasons, I think this is what he will remember 😊
I was searching for activity advent calendars and came across your video. I'm doing it for the first time this year. I love your ideas, thank you! I fully agree with you, traditions are so important, especially in a year like this. My kids are 4 and 2 and I think perfect to start our own family traditions. Thanks again for the inspiration!
This is brilliant we do a few of these every year but I'm going to make it s advent tradition. I love all the ideas. Our family tradition which the kids love it our yearly Christmas eve treasure hunt they love it. Although my oldest twelve make slight adjustments. Can't wait to see more of your Christmas videos 🤶🎄😊
We do an activity calendar and also a book one (we re-wrap the same books each year). Fun to hear another family's xmas activities. Among other things, we always make paper snowflakes, go for a walk with thermos cups of hot chocolate to look at lights, do a food bank grocery shop, declutter toys, make a wreath with nature finds, and make xmas cards for grandparents. We usually have an eat out night but I love the idea of a dessert-first dinner instead (especially this year ). Like you, I wanted us to make memories that were based on doing simple things together and take the focus off consumerism/presents.
I really enjoy hearing about the activities you've put in your advent calendar! And I totally agree with you about it being more about the memories being made with family, rather than the gifts and such. When I was a kid, we used to just get the cheap chocolate advent calendars. But then when I was in my preteen years, we got a really nice one made out of wood that has its own little compartments like yours. It comes with little 'ornaments' that you can hang on the advent 'tree'. In later years, my Mom would put little chocolates in the compartments as well.
Love the color of your sweater! So pretty on you ! When my children were growing up I had a fun activity every day of their Christmas vacation from school. We had so many fun activities sometimes we'd go to see the Nutcracker ballet, another day we'd have friends over for Christmas crafts with music, treats, cookies etc., so many things. and so many wonderful memories. tfs 🍃🍁🍂🌵💗🍃🍁🍂🌵💗🍃🍁🍂🌵💗
Ah that sounds like the most lovely memories. I think that’s why I do them, to keep the memories and traditions going. I love it. The build up is so much better than the actual day 😍
I've put together an activities advent for this year too. I actually used your video from last year for some inspiration. It's both my boys and my husbands birthdays in December so lots to celebrate and just want to make it as special for them as possible.
Exactly the same as us here, my daughter's birthday and my wedding anniversary. It's nice to have simple things to make it special and memorable. Lots of love and enjoy yours this year. x
We did this last year for Poppy after hearing you talk about yours. She loves it! It's perfect as she's so little, she doesn't get the idea of opening a chocolate each day yet and would just want to eat them all in one go, so this works so well! ♥️
Such a great video, it shows you don’t need to always do expensive things. I hope we all get a bit more creative this year with what we do and not focus on what we can’t do. My kids are 12 & 15 and we still have lots of family traditions. No panto or ice skating this year but we can still walk to see the Christmas house near us, all lit up. Maybe get take away hot chocolate if we can’t sit in. I’ve stocked up on Xmas themed food this year and may put a basket under the tree then after school each day we can select a treat. Don’t usually buy pigs in blanket crisps or snowmen shaped biscuits but thought this year it would be nice. My husband is half German so my kids put out their slippers for St Nic on 5th Dec and receive a few stocking fillers in the morning. We’ve been doing an Xmas eve basket for about 8 years (pjs, warm socks, bath bombs, chocolate, book, Xmas game etc) They love it as we tidy the house and set the table in the morning then after lunch they open it and we watch a polar express (although 15 yr old not so keen 😆). I make a hot chocolate station too with gingerbread men & German biscuits. Will definitely be watching more Xmas movies this year. Although they are older they still love our traditions and I will still do Santa’s foot prints on the floor. I’m not sure if they still want to write a letter, which we put on the fire or burn in utility sink (a fake one) then the original appears on their sack with burnt corners. I’ve started getting my teenager an Xmas joke toilet roll. There are lots of things you can adapt as they get older. I still remember having a sip of Santa’s Sherry to help me sleep 😂 and having a bookmark & coins in my stocking. My eldest has been doing a sort of ‘elf on the shelf’ thing for my daughter. She loves finding it each morning even though she knows it’s us. It’s the little things that make it special x
Ah thank you so much. for sharing your lovely ideas Tracey. It sounds like you have some amazing traditions and it is reassuring to know that Christmas can still be magical as they get older. It's a shame we probably won't be able to get out and about as much this year but there are still so many simple, magical things we can do at home isn't there? x
We have an advent candle this year which my daughter requested. For the past few years we’ve done a big shop for the food bank too which I think is good for the kids to focus on giving. I might add some of your ideas to fill in the gaps this year. When the kids were younger I put away their Xmas books Jan-Dec and would then wrap them and we’d choose one each day to read, cheap idea and makes it feel special plus you don’t have to read Xmas books all year round 😂
Such lovely ideas 😊 think I’ll do a few of these with my 4 year old and one year old but just at the weekends. Seen as though my two seem to hate food and sleep I’ll be leaving those ones out! 😉We have an advent calendar similar to yours so thanks for the ideas xx
Katie! I saw your video of this last year and I’m doing it this year. It’s such a lovely idea, memory making and just the reason I needed to sack off that damn elf. This year is the best year to do this. Thank you for making this video last year - I’m so excited to do it with my boys xx
Haha I have never done the elf although I must admit it looks fun! I love activities and simple things though and making memories. I hope you have a lovely time doing it this year. x
Great video and great ideas, Wilko are doing pick and mix as we got one last week. Im in Scotland though so not sure if wilko is open in England as might not be classed as essential shop? My mother in law made a stunning fabric advent calender when my youngest was a baby so 14 years ago. It’s still going strong with my 3 year old . Some different ideas to try . I always put decorate tree in for one of my ideas . Will be using some of your ideas this year x
Thanks Jenny! And yes we normally do decorating the tree as one of ours but because of the way it falls this year I think we are going to decorate the last week of November. The fabric advent calendar sounds lovely 😍
Hi Katie, What a fab video, I do the same so it’s really nice to hear new ideas! You mentioned in your video, that your eldest daughter has her birthday on Christmas Eve. My youngest will be 3 on Christmas Eve, and I would love to know how you celebrate her birthday, and keep it special as well as celebrating Christmas. I’m a bit stressed about it this year as it feels like it will be the first time she understands what’s going on and I’d like to find a way to keep it special for her. Xx keep doing what you’re doing xx
Ah it's such a funny day for a birthday isn't it, although weirdly my daughter loves it. She thinks it is so special. What we have always done is go and visit Father Christmas at the garden centre in the morning of her birthday, we go with a couple of her friends and some of my family and I always ask the elves to get him to wish her a happy birthday, or the elves sing to her so she feels special. Then we meet family and get a cake. We then usually go out for lunch somewhere not christmassy (e.g pizza express) and then come home and let her play with her gifts or have family over. Then in the evening we have always gone over to a friends for a big party. She loves it and even though it is Christmas Eve she always feels like the party is here, we get her a cake and make a big fuss of her. She loves it! x
@@katie_ellison thanks for sharing that. Our children’s birthdays are such a special time! I think some of what makes me a bit sad for her, is when my eldest was born, I made special birthday bunting to put up on our children’s birthdays, and now for my youngest that’s almost impossible with all the Christmas decorations up. I’m always looking for other people’s Christmas birthday ideas to add to mine and a lot of the time people just say don’t celebrate or decorate for Christmas until after their birthday which obviously for us with Christmas Eve birthdays is not helpful 🤣😂🤣😬. Thanks again for your reply. I’m really enjoying your videos, so thank you!
@@katie_ellison wow Katie, i really didn't think you would take the time to actually reply, thank you, that is so kind of you. i have been following you for quite a while now, but never dared to comment. But somehow i found your hair looks better than ever in this video, so i had to say something. Thanks and have a lovely day;)
We slept under the tree last year for the first time and when we talk about Christmas its the first thing they remember so we will definitely be doing that again. If your struggling for pick n mix, there is a company on Instagram called pickyomix who do some great choices delivered, normally can find a discount too x
I'm sure I read on the news that all santa visits and grotto's are cancelled this year . Shame but I guess it's no surprise really with the way this year has gone . X
@@SamWest96 thank you. I made a felt version back in 2010, which I love & my boys love. The crochet version is something I've been wanting to make for a few years, so 2020 is the year(& strangely 10 yrs after making the first one). It also means my boys get to have one each eventually.
Thank you, thank you for sharing this video. In the past, Christmas was crazy busy and had no traditions but thanks to COVID-19 I have plenty of time. I’ve followed your tradition ideas and my 2 daughters love it!!! We are making new beautiful memories and this is all because of you. So much appreciated!! Sincerely Ela
Ah that is so lovely to hear thank you so much for sharing Ela. It's so nice for making memories isn't it? The activities are all simple but lots of fun. Wishing you a merry Christmas.
Perfect timing. Doing this for the first time this year as our son is old enough now to do lots of the activities. Doing it for the same reasons, I think this is what he will remember 😊
I definitely think this is what they will remember! Enjoy doing it this year :) x
I was searching for activity advent calendars and came across your video. I'm doing it for the first time this year. I love your ideas, thank you! I fully agree with you, traditions are so important, especially in a year like this. My kids are 4 and 2 and I think perfect to start our own family traditions. Thanks again for the inspiration!
You are welcome! I am glad it was helpful. Have a lovely Christmas and enjoy making some new traditions :) x
I watch this of yours every year since I was pregnant with my first and this is the first year I am going to be doing it for my babies! x
Ah how exciting! Enjoy lovely and have a magical December. x
This is brilliant we do a few of these every year but I'm going to make it s advent tradition. I love all the ideas. Our family tradition which the kids love it our yearly Christmas eve treasure hunt they love it. Although my oldest twelve make slight adjustments. Can't wait to see more of your Christmas videos 🤶🎄😊
Aww that is a lovely idea to have a Christmas Eve treasure hunt! x
We do an activity calendar and also a book one (we re-wrap the same books each year). Fun to hear another family's xmas activities. Among other things, we always make paper snowflakes, go for a walk with thermos cups of hot chocolate to look at lights, do a food bank grocery shop, declutter toys, make a wreath with nature finds, and make xmas cards for grandparents. We usually have an eat out night but I love the idea of a dessert-first dinner instead (especially this year ). Like you, I wanted us to make memories that were based on doing simple things together and take the focus off consumerism/presents.
I really enjoy hearing about the activities you've put in your advent calendar! And I totally agree with you about it being more about the memories being made with family, rather than the gifts and such. When I was a kid, we used to just get the cheap chocolate advent calendars. But then when I was in my preteen years, we got a really nice one made out of wood that has its own little compartments like yours. It comes with little 'ornaments' that you can hang on the advent 'tree'. In later years, my Mom would put little chocolates in the compartments as well.
That sounds lovely and special with the little ornaments. So sweet. It is definitely more about the memories rather than the gifts I think. x
Lovely ideas to make memories. The simple things often are the best😊
Thanks Natalie, and definitely I agree. x
I’m going to start this, this year it’s soo good thanks for this years update. Xx
Thanks so much! I hope you enjoy doing it. x
Love the color of your sweater! So pretty on you ! When my children were growing up I had a fun activity every day of their Christmas vacation from school. We had so many fun activities sometimes we'd go to see the Nutcracker ballet, another day we'd have friends over for Christmas crafts with music, treats, cookies etc., so many things. and so many wonderful memories. tfs 🍃🍁🍂🌵💗🍃🍁🍂🌵💗🍃🍁🍂🌵💗
Ah that sounds like the most lovely memories. I think that’s why I do them, to keep the memories and traditions going. I love it. The build up is so much better than the actual day 😍
We love this video, amazing ideas 😄🤭 Thankyou! We can't wait to get festive! 🎄
Thank you I am glad you like it. x
You were an inspiration to start doing advent calendar activities with my kids. I made some of your suggestions and they are loving it!
Ah thanks Vera I am so glad you have been enjoying it! Merry Christmas to you and your family. x
I've put together an activities advent for this year too. I actually used your video from last year for some inspiration. It's both my boys and my husbands birthdays in December so lots to celebrate and just want to make it as special for them as possible.
Exactly the same as us here, my daughter's birthday and my wedding anniversary. It's nice to have simple things to make it special and memorable. Lots of love and enjoy yours this year. x
My boys are 2 year old. I would def be starting something like to make memories xx thank u for the ideas
You are welcome :) x
I watch this video every year 😊 gets me motivated to get mine sorted!!! Best to be prepared!! X
Thanks so much Megan I am glad you enjoy it and good luck with yours. x
Ahh these are all lovely ideas 😍 x
Thanks Kirsty :) x
We did this last year for Poppy after hearing you talk about yours. She loves it! It's perfect as she's so little, she doesn't get the idea of opening a chocolate each day yet and would just want to eat them all in one go, so this works so well! ♥️
Hahaha Wren was like that one year as well! x
Such a great video, it shows you don’t need to always do expensive things. I hope we all get a bit more creative this year with what we do and not focus on what we can’t do. My kids are 12 & 15 and we still have lots of family traditions. No panto or ice skating this year but we can still walk to see the Christmas house near us, all lit up. Maybe get take away hot chocolate if we can’t sit in. I’ve stocked up on Xmas themed food this year and may put a basket under the tree then after school each day we can select a treat. Don’t usually buy pigs in blanket crisps or snowmen shaped biscuits but thought this year it would be nice. My husband is half German so my kids put out their slippers for St Nic on 5th Dec and receive a few stocking fillers in the morning. We’ve been doing an Xmas eve basket for about 8 years (pjs, warm socks, bath bombs, chocolate, book, Xmas game etc) They love it as we tidy the house and set the table in the morning then after lunch they open it and we watch a polar express (although 15 yr old not so keen 😆). I make a hot chocolate station too with gingerbread men & German biscuits. Will definitely be watching more Xmas movies this year. Although they are older they still love our traditions and I will still do Santa’s foot prints on the floor. I’m not sure if they still want to write a letter, which we put on the fire or burn in utility sink (a fake one) then the original appears on their sack with burnt corners. I’ve started getting my teenager an Xmas joke toilet roll. There are lots of things you can adapt as they get older. I still remember having a sip of Santa’s Sherry to help me sleep 😂 and having a bookmark & coins in my stocking. My eldest has been doing a sort of ‘elf on the shelf’ thing for my daughter. She loves finding it each morning even though she knows it’s us. It’s the little things that make it special x
Ah thank you so much. for sharing your lovely ideas Tracey. It sounds like you have some amazing traditions and it is reassuring to know that Christmas can still be magical as they get older. It's a shame we probably won't be able to get out and about as much this year but there are still so many simple, magical things we can do at home isn't there? x
We have an advent candle this year which my daughter requested. For the past few years we’ve done a big shop for the food bank too which I think is good for the kids to focus on giving. I might add some of your ideas to fill in the gaps this year. When the kids were younger I put away their Xmas books Jan-Dec and would then wrap them and we’d choose one each day to read, cheap idea and makes it feel special plus you don’t have to read Xmas books all year round 😂
Such a good idea i love this thanks for the tips xx
You are welcome! ❤️
Such lovely ideas 😊 think I’ll do a few of these with my 4 year old and one year old but just at the weekends. Seen as though my two seem to hate food and sleep I’ll be leaving those ones out! 😉We have an advent calendar similar to yours so thanks for the ideas xx
Enjoy! I hope you have fun doing some of the activities. :) x
You have definitely inspired me to do this too. Got my reusable advent calendar at the ready. Thank you.
Yay good luck with it Helen, I hope it helps you create lots of memories and traditions :) x
Such a lovely idea! Going to give it a go this year. Xx
It’s honestly good fun and such a nice way to build up to the big day 😍
Katie! I saw your video of this last year and I’m doing it this year. It’s such a lovely idea, memory making and just the reason I needed to sack off that damn elf. This year is the best year to do this. Thank you for making this video last year - I’m so excited to do it with my boys xx
Haha I have never done the elf although I must admit it looks fun! I love activities and simple things though and making memories. I hope you have a lovely time doing it this year. x
love this! You are such a sweet person.
Thank you Sarah. x
that’s such a lovely idea 🥰 definitely going to do that one day when I have kids ☺️
It's such a nice thing to do together x
Wow such cute ideas, love it 🥰
Thank you :) x
Loved this video so much. I think this year - definitely will be doing an activity advent calendar and stealing some ideas 😍💚❤️
Thanks so much Polina :) x
Great video and great ideas, Wilko are doing pick and mix as we got one last week. Im in Scotland though so not sure if wilko is open in England as might not be classed as essential shop?
My mother in law made a stunning fabric advent calender when my youngest was a baby so 14 years ago. It’s still going strong with my 3 year old . Some different ideas to try . I always put decorate tree in for one of my ideas . Will be using some of your ideas this year x
Thanks Jenny! And yes we normally do decorating the tree as one of ours but because of the way it falls this year I think we are going to decorate the last week of November. The fabric advent calendar sounds lovely 😍
Hi Katie,
What a fab video, I do the same so it’s really nice to hear new ideas! You mentioned in your video, that your eldest daughter has her birthday on Christmas Eve. My youngest will be 3 on Christmas Eve, and I would love to know how you celebrate her birthday, and keep it special as well as celebrating Christmas. I’m a bit stressed about it this year as it feels like it will be the first time she understands what’s going on and I’d like to find a way to keep it special for her. Xx keep doing what you’re doing xx
Ah it's such a funny day for a birthday isn't it, although weirdly my daughter loves it. She thinks it is so special. What we have always done is go and visit Father Christmas at the garden centre in the morning of her birthday, we go with a couple of her friends and some of my family and I always ask the elves to get him to wish her a happy birthday, or the elves sing to her so she feels special. Then we meet family and get a cake. We then usually go out for lunch somewhere not christmassy (e.g pizza express) and then come home and let her play with her gifts or have family over. Then in the evening we have always gone over to a friends for a big party. She loves it and even though it is Christmas Eve she always feels like the party is here, we get her a cake and make a big fuss of her. She loves it! x
@@katie_ellison thanks for sharing that. Our children’s birthdays are such a special time! I think some of what makes me a bit sad for her, is when my eldest was born, I made special birthday bunting to put up on our children’s birthdays, and now for my youngest that’s almost impossible with all the Christmas decorations up. I’m always looking for other people’s Christmas birthday ideas to add to mine and a lot of the time people just say don’t celebrate or decorate for Christmas until after their birthday which obviously for us with Christmas Eve birthdays is not helpful 🤣😂🤣😬. Thanks again for your reply. I’m really enjoying your videos, so thank you!
I have seen some smaller businesses doing pic-a-mix to order online! xx
This hair color looks fantastic on you! My favourite :)
Ah thank you so much. I feel like the blond has settled down now after dying it and I feel like I really like them colour x
@@katie_ellison wow Katie, i really didn't think you would take the time to actually reply, thank you, that is so kind of you. i have been following you for quite a while now, but never dared to comment. But somehow i found your hair looks better than ever in this video, so i had to say something. Thanks and have a lovely day;)
I still enjoy your videos keep it up
Thank you ❤️
Love all these ideas 👏🏻 Magical! x
PS I ordered some pick n’ mix online from Sweetzy (small family business) and I’d highly recommend 😋
Ah fab thank you lovely will check them out. x
What I great idea, thank you ☺️
Thank you for watching 😍
Some great ideas! X
Glad you like them! :) x
I love this idea 😘
Thank you! 😊
We slept under the tree last year for the first time and when we talk about Christmas its the first thing they remember so we will definitely be doing that again. If your struggling for pick n mix, there is a company on Instagram called pickyomix who do some great choices delivered, normally can find a discount too x
The sleeping under the tree one is definitely my favourite one of them all I think. And thank you I will have to check out that company x
I'm sure I read on the news that all santa visits and grotto's are cancelled this year . Shame but I guess it's no surprise really with the way this year has gone . X
No surprise at all really! I was holding out hope but also wasn't sure! x
I am currently crocheting an advent calendar. It's a Christmas tree, with 24 decorations to add each day. So far I have made 15 of the decorations.
That's such a lovely idea!
@@SamWest96 thank you. I made a felt version back in 2010, which I love & my boys love. The crochet version is something I've been wanting to make for a few years, so 2020 is the year(& strangely 10 yrs after making the first one).
It also means my boys get to have one each eventually.
Oh what a gorgeous idea! That sounds so lovely! x