Every year since the beginning, at least one of my kids has brought home a "Countdown to Christmas" chain. Some years instead of a bell at the top, it has a Santa with a fluffy cotton ball beard. One year I think there was a picture of an elf. They've all served the same purpose, to help ease the annoying daily question of "How many more days until Christmas?" .
However, this year's chain is a little bit different. It is a Service Countdown. On each chain is a small act of service the child can do (mostly without help). Can I just say that as a mom who is trying to focus her family on the Real Reason for the Season - CHRIST, I love this!
Here is what the chains say:
Visit someone you haven't seen for awhile!
Share a happy Christmas story with your family!
Call a friend and wish them Merry Christmas!
Make your bed and clean your room without being asked!
Play with a new friend today.
Shovel snow off a sidewalk or sweep it.
Sing Silent Night and think about what the words are saying.
Make a Christmas card for someone.
Help your mother without being asked.
Make a present for someone in your family.
Do a good deed anonymously!
Smile at everyone you see today!
Make a list of the gifts of love you are going to give to others.
Make a snowflake and hang it up somewhere in your house.
Give everyone in your family a hug today.
Take something to a lonely neighbor.
Read a story to a family member.
Play a game with your brother or sister.
Set the table for a meal.
Tell someone you love them today!
Help your father without being asked!
Tell the Christmas story to someone.
Sing a Christmas carol with your family.