Paper Calendars & Making Memories

When I was a kid, every December my parents would get my brothers and I a special gift on December 1st.  This gift was simple, probably didn't cost much, and was made of paper.  This gift was an advent calendar.  I remember waking up each day before school and meeting my brother at the calendar.  We would hunt for the number that corresponded with the day and then pry open the perforated edges to reveal a new little scene in the Christmas Story.  I also remember arguing over who would get to open the Christmas Day window, which I knew would reveal the baby Jesus.  I always let my brothers win this battle, knowing this was in a way, my own little Christmas gift to them.

Now days there are all sorts of creative ways that families count down the days until Christmas.  Elf on the Shelf, Activity Advent Calendars, A Gift a Day.  What I have noticed is that most of these things are aimed at kids and making the season magical for them.  They are also often complicated and time consuming to create.

So I got to thinking, wouldn't it be fun to have a way for adults to count down to Christmas?  I mean, I love kids and all, but right now Dane and I are living the kid free life.  Or maybe you're at college living with 5 other friends.  Or maybe you've got a group of people in your life who you love and adore and just want to have some holiday fun with.  Well for you adults who love the magic of Christmas, I've created a project for you.

Now it might not be as awesome as opening 25 little perforated windows, but it does have a sense of excitement and adventure, plus its pretty simple.

Just make a list of 25 things you want to do throughout December, cut them apart into 25 pieces and put them in a jar.  You can even use your jar of fun as a Christmas decoration in your house.  Ours is on a shelf in our living room next to some other fun decor.  Each day draw a slip of paper out of the jar, and then go have fun!  You can enjoy the activities with your friend, bf/gf, spouse, cousins, housemate, grandparents, or even get the kids involved.

Don't forget to grab the camera and document some of your fabulous fun!

Can't think of 25 things to do together?  Well I've create this "Nice" list for you.  Simply print, cut and paste!

I hope you all have a fabulous December and make some new memories with the people in your life.

Make Your December One for the Books

December is a fabulous month. There are so many fun yearly traditions and experiences that happen during this month, and it often flies by so quickly, I wish I could just capture it and hold on to it a little longer.  That's why a few years ago I took part in Ali Edwards, "December Daily" challenge.

The concept is simple.  Take a picture everyday during the month of December and at the end of the month, make a book out of it.

Your book can be as simple as loading 31 pictures (or more if you are photo crazy like me) to your favorite photo printing site and then create a book online, or just stick individual prints in their own album.

Or you can get super creative and make your own mini 31 day journal complete with pictures and little journal entries to help recall events even better.  In the past I have written down quotes, or a story, like the time mom and I made cinnamon candy and we about passed out from the extreme nose burning steam the candy creates when you pour it onto the cold pan.  Lesson learned.

So I'm back on the bandwagon this year, after taking a couple years off.  I'll be honest, I really did miss not doing this the past two years, and as I pulled out my journals from previous Christmas's (they get stored with my Christmas decor), I was thrilled to go back and flip through.  And man would I love love love to have you join me!!!!

I am trying a new format this year, inspired by project life.  A simple scrapbooking method that involves sheets of plastic with pockets (think baseball card holders).  All you do is stick your pictures in the slots and if you want to add a little flair, you can use papers, washi tapes, paint whatever your heart desires.

I decided to make my album 6x8 this year, so I purchased the 6x8 refill pages pictured above at Hobby Lobby.  There are 16 pages in a pack for $4.99 (but if its half off, only $2.50, how's that for a simple, fun diy price????)  With 16 pages front and back, I have enough for all 31 days.

And....to get you started (have I mentioned I really want you to join me on this?) I designed some cards that will easily fit into the smaller 3x4 slots of your refill pages, or you can staple/glue them onto larger sheets of paper to create your own unique designs.

All you have to do, is download, print, and cut.  Download Here.

You can also go online and purchase kits from Project Life.


If you need some inspiration or more inspiration here are some links that may help you.

Christy's Past December Daily 2009 I am ashamed to say, I've never uploaded my 2010 version...its seriously the best one I've ever done lol.  Maybe someday I will.
Christy's December Daily Pinterest Page
If you are still confused about it all, check out Ali Edwards- the original December Daily Gal.
Elsie Larson.  I just love this girl to pieces.

If you decide to take part in this December challenge, no matter how large or small you want to do it, PLEASE let me know.  I would love to see your albums, pictures & ideas!!!!

Happy December Memory Making!