Advent of Kindness

I *really* wanted to do an advent calendar of exclusively kindness acts. Reality reminded me that we're a family short on time with places to be. I also realized that in years pasted I used things we would already be doing as fillers and these would be expected things. How could I not put down the cousin Christmas party? 

Our Advent Tree. 

I write the tags in the evening before since we now have readers. Not so much to keep things secret, but to prevent the constant flipping and removing. My washi is only re-stickable to a certain point! For things that aren't directly acts of kindness, I'm trying to spin it. 

Four days in and I'm confident we're raising kind and giving children. Last night as we scoured the toy aisle for donations C asked 

"How do I know what to buy if I don't know who I'm buying for?"

While I'm sure the realities of poverty and need are lost on her, I'm glad she understand that these are real people who have tastes and desires just like her. There were no issues parting with the gifts this morning, although they were sure to alert us to some really cool toys in the toy aisle. :)

The count continues...

Advent: Days 1 & 2 & 3

Day 1: the ladies picked out Christmas books at the library with Daddy.

Day 2: we set up a small tree in their room. We stopped at just setting it up with the intention that they will earn something new to add to the tree each day. It will also give me a place to hang the ga-zillion salt dough ornaments we will make.

I'm also excited to make a small tree for the in-laws with them. This will be character building and all that jazz, right? Teaching them to give and the spirit of the season? I'm not a horrible mom looking for photo ops, right!?

I'm making them earn lights and decorations for their tree. Yes, I make them work for everything! Tonight they will get lights for good behavior, and then from here out I'm thinking an ornament a night for good behavior or special rewards. I'm not laying on the Santa's watching game, I really don't think our ladies associate Santa and presents and I think I love it! You should just be good. I know that's vague but you get the idea, they know what is expected. I won't hold it over their head and while we're on the topic, I would like to say that I'm completely opposed to this elf on the shelf business. He's creepy, I'm tired of him littering my FB feed, and I feel that if you have to rely on a creepy moving doll to control your chitterlings then you're doing it all wrong! Rant over.

Day3: We set up our Advent for Cousin's house. We decorated the border with thumb print lights. Since I have no clue what I'm doing, and I wanted to maintain the tree shape, we opted to put stickers over the spent numbers. Everyone is happy! 

And can I say that painting vertically on the wall with your thumb is infinitely more entertaining than sitting at the table! Who knew? I was more concerned about getting paint on myself. 

Does anyone else feel that Christmas started early this year? Am I alone here?