We gave the traditional Advent calendar a creative kick, turning it into a festive garland that reuses your kids' colorful socks. Tucked inside are notes, games, and goodies for kids to receive -- one sock for each day leading up to the Jolly Old Elf's visit.
| Prep Time: About 2 to 3 hours | |
| What you need: | |
| 25 socks
Marker 25 mini clothespins (available at craft supply stores) Stocking hangers, painter's tape, or pushpins 6-foot length of cord, string, or ribbon SUGGESTIONS FOR SPECIAL SOCK STUFFERS: "Get Out of Chores Free" or "Pick a Movie Rental" cards -- each good for one use! A puzzle distributed in pieces among the socks; kids can put it together over the course of the month Trading or sports cards Special coins such as foreign currency or a silver dollar -- chocolate coins are always a hit too! Music or other gift cards Jokes or riddles (stick the punch line in the next day's sock; see azkidsnet.com for ideas) A game (a Mad Libs or Sudoku a day) Art supplies, such as a mini paint kit and pad A special ornament to add to the tree A new pair of socks! | |
| Seasons: Christmas | |
| Materials: sock | |
| Instructions: | |
| 1. | To make your "calendar," fill the 25 socks with small treats, using our list of suggestions or your own ideas. |
| 2. | Use a marker to number the mini clothespins with 1 through 25. |
| 3. |  To assemble the calendar, use stocking hangers, painter's
tape, or pushpins to temporarily hang a 6-foot length of cord,
string, or ribbon within easy reach of a child. Clip the
treat-filled socks to the cord in numerical order, then each day
have kids remove one to discover their surprises. |
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