Last year we created an advent activity calendar that was lots of fun, and I had hoped we would continue this year. However, due to a few factors beyond our control, we have to press pause on this idea for now. Instead, I thought the children might enjoy an advent book calendar.
We have accumulated a few Christmas-themed books over the years and I have gone out and bought some more, and plan to hit a few second-hand bookshops to see if I have any luck there too. (Today I went out and a few of my local bookshops didn't actually have children's Christmas books yet.)
Here are some of the books we mostly bought last Christmas, and I have to say they were all a big hit.
The plan is to wrap all of the books and open one a day. While each book will appeal to different children and different ages, I think (and hope) that the activity will be enjoyable for all.
The Nutcracker by Stephanie Spinner
My daughter fell in love with this book and its accompanying musical CD last year. We are actually going to see a live performance of it, and cannot wait to read the book again.
How The Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr Seuss
We have had this book for quite a few years and it is always a book that gets read over and over again. It's one of many Dr Seuss books that I can recite almost the whole thing - the children too!
The Jolly Christmas Postman by Allan Ahlberg and Janet Ahlberg
My son received this as a gift several years ago and it's been well-loved by himself and his sister. Most pages have a little related activity - such as a jigsaw puzzle - that always get played with too.
The Twelve Days of Christmas by Jane Ray
Beautifully illustrated and a popular book last year. You can read our review here.
The Christmas Wish by Lori Evert
This was another popular book with my daughter last year. We spoke about it a lot in relation to our trip to Finland.
Madeline's Christmas by Ludwig Bemelmans
A beautiful read that was pulled out many times at bedtime over the Christmas period last year.
image the indigo crew
Lovely idea and great Christmas tradition! We will be mixing it up a little this year with books and activities.. Hope all is well xx Heather (shop frank)
ReplyDeleteReading over my advent calendar activities from last year I am a little disappointed we can't do the whole thing again this year. Especially as my children keep asking to put Christmas decorations up. However, hopefully we can make a few things soon. x
DeleteHopefully you can start 'decking the halls' very soon!! And just saw your previous post with mangoes for stocking fillers! Love love this idea and will be stealing it as a slice/reminder of 'home' this year for the kids.. Certainly different mood here in Dubai in the lead up to Christmas! Thanks again for the daily dose of inspiration. x
ReplyDeleteWe usually give them nuts too - usually pistachio nuts - as I always associate them with my life in Australia.
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