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5 ways to countdown to Christmas in Disney style
I’m still cringing at Christmas music and grimacing at the sight of the tree at the mall. But let’s face it: It’s going to be Dec. 1 before we know it. And for many people, that means it’s time to start the countdown to Christmas with the Advent calendar.
There’s still time to order a calendar for this year — or assemble one yourself. Here are five of the best ideas I’ve come across:
Luke, I am your … Santa? This Lego Star Wars Advent Calendar ($39.99 at the Lego online store) was the inspiration for this post. Each door opens to reveal a minifigure or a vehicle — including a few holiday-themed minifigures and a Christmas speeder bike. The set also includes a fold-out playmat. Merry Force be with you!
For the traditionalist: If an Advent calendar for you means putting little felt ornaments on a tree (or a close facsimile), this Mickey Mouse advent calendar fits the bill ($59.95 at the Disney Store). Unlike the Lego set, you can use this one year after year, so it becomes a family tradition.
Some creativity required: Mickey and friends decorate little drawers that each hide something small ($39.99 via Amazon.com). That’s where your creativity comes in. You can go with candy, small gifts — an ornament, a magnet, a Vinylmation figure — or an activity the family will do together each day. Or mix it up and do some of each.
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| Home Depot |
Showcase your favorite ornaments: If you’re an ornament collector (or creator), consider setting aside 24 of your favorite Disney-themed ornaments and putting one on the tree each day in December. This Pottery Barn pocket calendar has plenty of room for a good sized ornament in each pocket (on sale now for $71). Or if you’d rather do it yourself, Home Depot has instructions for the rustic Advent Calendar pictured above.
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| Reading Confetti |
Read the month away: I’ve seen several versions of the book-themed Advent calendar, including the one pictured above from the blog Reading Confetti. You don’t have to buy a new book for every day. That could easily bust your Christmas budget. Instead, borrow some from friends or dust off old favorites that haven’t been shared lately. To give it that Disney twist, mix Christmas stories with favorite Disney books. Instead of Christmas wrapping paper, you can wrap the books in plain brown paper or shiny red paper and line them up on your mantle. Or wrap them in green and stack them from smallest to largest — resembling a Christmas tree. Unwrap and read one with the family every day. That quality time may be the best gift you give your family this season.
