5 Creative and Easy Christmas Countdowns

As soon as Santa drives his sleigh into Macy’s Herald Square on Thanksgiving day, an all too familiar question starts. "How many more days until Christmas?" The official Christmas countdown has started for my kids. In order to save our sanity and to look forward to this joyful time, here are 5 creative and easy ways to countdown to Christmas that your kids will love.

Kindness Advent Calendar- During a time where our children are often too focused on themselves, make a Christmas countdown that has them shifting their focus outward. Starting in the month of December plan out 25 acts of kindness your family can do- one for each day. Keep it simple. Ideas could include writing a short thank you note to a teacher, calling a distant family member, donating a toy, giving a compliment, etc..

Another easy spin on this idea is to put up 25 sticky notes and have family members write something kind they did that day. When all the sticky notes are filled up, it’s Christmas!

Christmas Picture Book Countdown- Make your own countdown with Christmas books. Start with as many Christmas books as you choose and wrap one for each day leading up to Christmas. Then let your kids unwrap a book daily and read it together. Add numbers to the wrapped books to make it a countdown or let your kids pick the one to unwrap. Unsure of what Christmas books to use or add to your collection? Read more about this idea and find the Best Christmas Picture Books For Kids here.

Candy Cane Kindness- Put 25 candy canes in a jar and give one out to someone for each day of December. You can attach a small note if you would like or just give the candy cane! This is an easy idea for sharing gratitude and holiday spirit to people at the grocery store, your coffee barista, on a teacher’s desk, or even in a neighbor's mailbox.

Christmas Bucket List- This takes some planning, but can still be easy! Starting on December 1st, fill out a calendar or make a list with something your family can do daily to look forward to Christmas. Our list includes looking at Christmas lights, watching Christmas movies, drinking hot chocolate, and making cookies for friends. Mark off the days as you go and enjoy intentionally connecting with your loved ones with your bucket list activities.

Christmas Countdown App- Not as creative, but by far the easiest and most time efficient countdown is through an App. The Christmas Countdown! app keeps you and your kiddos informed on how many days, hours, minutes, seconds, sleeps, and even heartbeats there are until Christmas Day. It includes 6 Christmas characters and Christmas music to listen to while watching the time whittle away.

Another highly rated app, Christmas Countdown (2022), lets you open a new virtual gift every day of December in your advent calendar. It also includes music, backgrounds, and falling snow on the screen. Kids will enjoy how specific the app countdown is and may even learn a little math in the process.

Try a new and creative way to countdown to Christmas with your family this year. You will enjoy connecting with your loved ones and creating new memories. Happy Countdown!

"Let the essence of Christmas blossom within-as the countdown to Christmas begins." -Eleesha

Jenn writes at her blog healthyhappyimpactful.com. She’s a mom of three looking to learn and grow. Check it out if you love helpful tips on health, family, and personal growth.