Countdown to Christmas with Advent

This weekend marks the first days of December, but my children have already been counting down the days to Christmas on all of their fingers and toes. They don't seem to notice that we don't even have our tree up yet, though my daughter is convinced she can smell it. (Psst... it's artificial but don't tell her!)

Advent was originally recognized as the first season of the church year and included the four preceding Sundays before Christmas. Today, many of us like to countdown the 25 days to Christmas, but there are no rules with Advent.

If you would like to celebrate (and decorate!) with an advent calendar this year, it's completely up to you when you begin your countdown. My family and I change it year to year. Some years we have only counted down the week of Christmas.

May these fun and creative advent ideas inspire you to adopt your own countdown to Christmas!