Christmas Countdown

The topic for #BEDN on Monday, was "Christmas" as it was exactly one month from yesterday!! I have been compiling a bucket list of sorts, that I really am excited about! This year, we are trying to be more mindful of enjoying the holiday.  Quite frankly, we've already purchased big ticket items that would have taken up room under the tree.  My family has also decided instead of exchanging gifts, we are going to do something all together.  Obviously we will still have a tree and there will be presents from Santa under there!! It is little miss Brooke Lynn's first Christmas and all.  But this year?  I want to really truly enjoy a lot of small things with her as well.

So, I guess this is sort of an Advent idea or what have you, but I won't hold myself accountable for having to do this particular activity on the number day, unless it just happens to work.  These are ideas for all three of us, just myself, or hopefully even friends and family can join in and enjoy the holiday cheer!

1.  Decorate the house! [hubby insists we wait, and I agree...enjoying the moment people!]
2.  Take holiday photos of Brooke
3.  Make peppermint bark & homemade fudge for family, friends, & Joe's co-workers
4.  Make gifts "from Brooke" for grandparents
5.  Visit Park Ave Holiday Festival with friends & family!
6.  Get our tree and decorate it
7.  Make a Gingerbread house
8.  Drive around looking at Christmas lights
9.  Donate toys for tots.
10. Watch a holiday movie!! Elf, Home Alone, something classic! {Last year we watched A Christmas Story}
11. Send out Christmas cards
12.  Partake in a Secret Santa Exchange
13.  Visit Santa at the mall
14.  Bake and frost sugar cookies
15.  Enjoy the hustle an bustle of the holiday shopping
16.  Play with green & red homemade baby play dough
17.  Make or buy Brooke's first Christmas ornament
18.  Play in the snow!
19.  Wrap presents
20.  Host or go to a Christmas themed brunch {or just enjoy mimosas and a sweet breakfast treat!}
21.  Get a red holiday pedicure
22.  Kiss hubs under the mistletoe
23.  Take a snowy morning drive with breakfast sandwiches
24. Build a fire, enjoy hot cocoa and count our blessings
25. Dress up little miss Brooke in her holiday dress for her first Christmas!

What are some of your favorite holiday traditions?  You can check out my favorite tradition of "decorating the tree" I wrote a few years back here.