Wordless Wednesday - What Your Favorite Christmas Movie?

(Photo courtesy of Teach With Movies)

The Countdown Has Begun!

When I was growing up every day in December held a new surprise. A treasure. Sometimes small, sometimes big. These special treats were from our advent calendar. It was a snow covered house made out of paper boxes. Every day my sister and I would take turns opening the box for that day. Some days there would be a yummy piece of candy, and other days there would be the first clue to an intricate scavenger hunt leading to a holiday book or toy of some sort.

The advent calendar is special not only for the treats it brings, but also it's a daily reminder to have joy throughout the entire season. They originated from the German Lutherans who would count down the 24 days of Advent with a simple chalk mark. Now we are a bit more modern and detailed in our design. There are SO MANY creative options out there, but here are a few of my favorite advent calendars both to purchase or to create:

(Photo courtesy of Kaboose)

Santa's Advent Beard: A classic. Fill in Santa's beard with one cotton ball each day.

(Photo courtesy of Skip To My Lou)

Little Birdie Advent Calendar: A modern twist, and a fun DIY project.

(Photo courtesy of Target)

Gift Advent Calendar: A gift a day keeps the doctor away...

(Photo courtesy of Target)

Mirrored Advent Calendar: Add a little glamour to your day.

(Photo courtesy of Alpha Mom)

Paper Cup Advent Calendar: Now I realize this is a calendar for November using leftover Halloween candy, but use some red and green tissue paper and you're good to go for advent.

The Great Figgy Pudding Street Corner Caroling Competition

Tonight the streets of downtown Seattle are going to be filled with the sounds of carolers gathering to sing in The Great Figgy Pudding Street Corner Caroling Competition. Over 40 singing teams compete, and prizes are awarded for collecting the most donations, best and most original performances. The 22nd annual event raises funds by donation for the Pike Market Senior Center and the Downtown Food Bank. If you live in the Seattle area, come down to Westlake Center and Pine Street (between Third and Seventh Avenues) and celebrate the season at this unique and outrageously fun event.

Bring On The Christmas Decorations!

Back when I was decorating our home for fall, I talked about these simple glass containers. For October and November they were filled with pine cones, beaded mini pumpkins and leaves.

This weekend instead of crashing into a turkey induced coma, once we got home from a fun and family filled time at the cabin, I set my i pod to shuffle in the holiday genre and got to work decorating for Christmas. I slowly pulled my decorations out of their boxes as if I were opening up a treasure chest. Ever since I was a little girl I have loved decorating for the holidays, and that is something that has never changed.

The glass containers were actually the first thing I decorated. I filled them with an assortment of faux snow, crystals, faux cranberries, glitter stars, gold ornaments and beaded fruit. I have collected these items over the years, but you can use whatever you have on hand. Start with faux snow and ornaments, and then add whatever fits with your own personal decor.

Decor tip: If you're using large containers and don't have enough items to fill them with, twist up tissue paper and put it in the middle of the container. Surround the paper with your decorations until it's completely hidden. This will allow all of your decorations to be seen.

Wordless Wednesday - Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!

(Photo courtesy of Norman Rockwell)