* Update on how my list is coming.  I'm getting most of it done.  There has been a few changes noted beside some items.  But overall I think it's going pretty well.  Monday we're going to do our books on the birth of Christ.  Other than that the lessons that didn't get finished will wait until after our Christmas break.  We started them but they aren't finished.  My sewing machine is officially dead.  Hubby fixed the one problem and I was happily sewing the puppet theater when several pieces just fell out.  I was about in tears when hubby found me.  He's like hold on a second honey.  Then went outside and came back in with a box.  He said you can have your Christmas present early.  My adorable, hero husband had bought me a new sewing machine.   I had inherited my grandmother's old machine which was a 1960's Singer.  So this new machine is wonderful in comparison.  It has so many functions and takes so little effort to use.  You'll have to wait until after Christmas to see the puppet theater as I forgot to take a picture before wrapping it.

We ended up doing a few extra things.  We made chocolate dipped marshmallows.  I found some strawberry flavored ones at the store and thought that would be yummy.  We also made chocolate covered peanut clusters and walnut clusters.  I made some brownies, chocolate chip cookies, and snickerdoodles.  I also made 4 more fleece blankets as gifts for my family.  I still have the rice packs to sew and cut out cookies to make.

I'm simply posting the list of everything I want to get done this month for Christmas so maybe you all can help hold me accountable.  You can find the links for these things under Christmas in the sidebar.

Gifts to make for kids

1. 4 dishtowel aprons

2. 4 fleece lap blankets (3 done)

3.  2 felt boards

4. puppet theater

5. puppets - cat. bear, frog, and owl

6. puppets - chick and bunny

7. sock puppets (upon more reflection I have decided to put together a kit for them to make their own)

8. crayons

9. 4 decoupage puzzles (decided not to do these because I'm running out of time)

10. graces (couldn't find any hoops, so I guess there not getting these)

Crafts and Gifts for others

1. Christmas countdown paper chain

2. puzzle piece ornaments

3. Christmas cards

4. shooting star ornaments

5. spiced tea mix

6. craft stick ornaments

7. Christmas choir

8. hot chocolate mix

9. bean bag wise men

10. handprint santa

11. merry Christmouse

12. California cornbread mix

13. flying bird ornament

14. rice hot packs

15. sand art brownies

16. dangling snowmen (changed to craft stick snowmen)

17. pine cone Christmas trees

18. foamy frame

19. layered dog biscuit mix

20. sock snowfolk (changed to clothespin reindeer)

21. greeting card box

22. personalized magnets

23. brown paper bag stockings

24. candy sleigh

25. decoupage puzzle sets 

26. grocery bag gingerbag garland

27. festive paper pines

28. chicken noodle soup gift jar

29. spiral soup mix

30. cut out cookies

31. Christmas pretzel trees

Field Trips and General Activities

1. Christmas movie marathon

2. decorate tree for the birds

3. visit the zoo and see the Christmas lights

4. visit historical village decorated for Christmas ( the kids fell ill, so in hopes of them being better for this weekends activities I decided to skip this)

5. visit local Christmas tree farm

6. go to local church's Christmas pageant

7. bless some families with Christmas packages

Lessons

1. How the Grinch Stole Christmas Unit Study

2. Christmas logic puzzles

3. Christmas reading comprehension worksheets

4. What Christmas means to me shape book

5. make book on the birth of Jesus

6. make thankful for ornaments

7. Christmas themed read aloud

8. read the Gift of the Magi

9. Christmas math

10. Identifying Christmas trees

11. A Christmas Carol study (almost done)

As you can see we got some done already but we still have a long way to go.    In case your wondering we pretty much take a break from traditional school work during December.  I like to have us concentrate on celebrating the birth of Christ

Every year I plan out a bunch of stuff for us to do from Dec. 1^st to Dec. 25^th.  I call it our 25 Days of Christmas.  Here is our list of planned activities for this year.

Lessons/Learning Activities

How the Grinch Stole Christmas unit study

The kids really enjoy doing puzzle type activities so I’m going to print a few from here for them.

We’ll do these reading comprehension activity pages.

 They are going to use this shape book to write about what Christmas is to them.

They’ll make their own book on the birth of Jesus

We’ll also do our annual Thankful for ornaments.  Then we’ll read them on Christmas morning.  I think this year we will make them in the shape of a large snowflake.

Annual trip to the library to load up on Christmas themed books and have a day of read alouds and hot cocoa.

Read the Gift of the Magi

Christmas Math

Identifying Christmas Trees

Crafts and Gifts

Make a countdown to Christmas paper chain. 

Puzzle piece ornaments

Make Christmas cards

Shooting star ornament

Spiced tea mix

Craft stick ornaments

Christmas Choir

Make Hot Chocolate Mix

Bean Bag Wise men

Handprint Santa

Merry Christmouse

Makes California cornbread mix in a jar

Flying Bird Ornament

Rice hot packs. 

Sand Art Brownies

Dangling snowmen

Pine cone Christmas tree

Foamy Frame

Layered dog cookie jar mix

Sock Snowfolk

Greeting card box

Personalized Magnets

Brown paper bag stockings

Make a candy sleigh

Decoupage puzzle sets

Today we are going to make grocery bag gingerbread garland to hang around the house.

Today we’ll make festive paper pines

Make chicken noodle soup in a jar for gift baskets.

Make spiral soup mix for gift baskets.

Make cut-out cookies.

Make Christmas pretzel trees.

We’re going to make gift baskets for each family as usual.  We have 14 to put together.  This year we are going to put them in a large mixing bowl instead of a basket.  I’ll pick ones that match the different families’ kitchens.  In each bowl I’m going to put one of the soup mixes, sand art brownies, spiced tea, hot chocolate mix, crackers, cornbread mix, oven mitt, dish towel, wooden spoons, and a rice pack.  For the people who have puppies we are going to put in the dog biscuit mix and the ones with kids are going to get a stocking filled with cookies, pretzel trees, and Santa sleighs.  We are also going to put framed photos of the kids and some of the crafts they made in there.  I think it would be nice to get a complete meal for Christmas.  I’m hoping they’ll feel the same way.  I also have a few things that I’ve collected through the year to add to make it personal for each family. 

General Activities

Christmas movie marathon.

Decorate our tree for the birds

Go see Christmas lights at zoo.  Make hot cocoa to take along.

Christmas with dh’s family

Field trip to a historical village decorated for Christmas.

Field trip to a Christmas tree farm.

Go to a local church’s Christmas pageant.

Bless some families with packages.

Here is a file you can download that I created.  It is a unit study based on the book How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Suess. 

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

This year I've decided to do more homemade Christmas presents for the kids.  With all the recalls lately for toys from China and the fact that most toys that are reasonably priced are from China, brought on this decision.   So I've been scouring for ideas and have come up with a few.  I thought I'd pass them on incase anyone else would be interested in doing them.

Felt Board

Dishtowel Aprons

Puppet Theater

Puppets - cat, bear, frog, and owl

Puppets - chick and bunny

Sock Puppets

Crayons

Decoupage Puzzle Sets

Bean bag chair

Graces

Fleece lap blankets

Plus I did buy a couple of toys already.  I think that will be good for Christmas. 

Kids craft basket

Pom poms

Craft sticks

Pipe cleaners

Felt

Glue

Glitter

Foam shapes

Craft foam

Scissors

Wiggly eyes

Yarn

Construction paper

Printed instructions for some crafts off the Internet

Kids Craft basket #2

Stickers

Card stock

Beads

Buttons

Colored string

Paint

Paintbrushes

Stamps

Colored pencils

Unpainted figures

Unpainted wood things

Gel pens

Dinner basket

Pasta

Pasta sauce

Parmesan cheese

Bread sticks

Clothe napkins (make)

Candles

Sparkling grape juice

2 fancy glasses

Romantic basket

Crackers

Cheese

Summer sausage

Chocolate dipped strawberries

Sparkling juice

Candles

Chocolates

Fancy glasses

Picnic blanket

For the bowler

Bowling ball towel

Chalk bag

Wrist brace

Bowling passes

Finger tape

Sports fan

Favorite teams throw

Team t-shirt

Popcorn

Pretzels

Beef jerky

Team ornament

Team hat

For the fisherman

Lures

Sinkers

Hooks

Fishing string

Fishing reel

Needle nose pliers

Wire cutters

Bobbers

Fishing net

Puzzle basket

Puzzles

Crossword puzzle book

Word search book

Rubics cube

Puzzle map

Pens

Baby doll basket

Baby doll

Baby doll clothes (make)

Baby bottle

Diapers (make with cloth and Velcro)

Diaper bag

Baby blankets (make)

Baby headbands

Rattle

Easy bake basket

You can make several easy bake recipes to put in it

Small measuring spoon

Small metal bowl

Cookie cutters

Spatula

Sprinkles

Potholder

Small wood spoon

Pam spray

http://www.budget101.com/kids.htm

For the teen girl

Lip-gloss

Glitter eye shadow

Nail polish

Nail gems

Hair accessories

Journal

Fancy pens

Fun picture frame

Photo album

Make up brushes

When I’m done putting everything in the basket I wrap them with some cellophane and tie it close at the top with some pretty ribbon.  I attach an ornament the kids made and some candy canes.

Something I’m making for my littles this year.  It is taking mostly time since I picked up most of the fabrics and trims from garage sales and thrift stores.

A dress up box

I’m making dd some simple gowns that she can slip on

A king’s robe

A queen’s robe

A coat of many colors

Some fancy slip on skirts and shirts

Cowboy vest

A cloak

A cape

A ninja outfit

A tabard (the cloth knights use to wear)

I picked up 2 cowboy hats, knights helmet, Spiderman mask and gloves, batman mask and gloves, power rangers mask and gloves, some tiaras, jewelry, purse, boa, wands, wigs, angel wings and I got some animal costumes all of this stuff from the clearance racks after Halloween.

I’m also making dd a bed set for her toddler bed.  It will contain a fleece blanket, comforter, pillows, pillowcase, sheet, and curtain.  I may make a bed skirt if I have enough fabric left.

I’m also making ds3 a set for his big boy bed.

A few years ago I made each of the grandparents a scrapbook photo album and every year I make a few more pages for them to put in.  This is always a big hit with them.  I also have the kids make something special for each grandparent.  This year they are doing the pages.  They are putting their handprint and a special note on one page and the other page they are putting photos of them with the grandparent.

Let me start by saying the Dollar Tree is one of my favorite stores and if you browse around in it you can find lots of great things.   I also like Big Lots for finding things.  My favorite thing to give at Christmas is gift baskets.  I like to fill them with things that are special to that person.  I can usually put these together very cheaply.  The thing I do is shop all year long.  Ooohhh! Let me explain.  I always browse through the clearance bins at JoAnn Fabrics or Michaels when I have to go there for something else.  Especially after a holiday they mark everything dirt-cheap.  I got my dd some wigs and other things for her dress up box for $.79 apiece.  You can find all kinds of neat things in clearance bins at stores.  I get baskets and containers to use as baskets at the Dollar Tree, yard sales, or thrift stores.  So here are some baskets I have made in the past and some I’m making for this year. 

A game basket

Couple decks of cards

Dice

Dominos

Poker chips

Yahtzee scorecard refills

Pretzels

Couple bags of microwave popcorn

2 liter of soda

Dinner basket

Soup in a jar mix

Cornbread or biscuit mix

Large wooden spoon

Oven mitt

Soup cups

Gourmet crackers

Candles

Scrapbook basket

All of these things should be acid free

Stickers

Glue sticks

Card stock

Gel pens

Fancy scissors

Die cuts

Photo corners

Two-sided tape

Die cut punches

Pamper yourself  #1

Candles

Bath salt

Back scrubber

Bath puff

Body spray

Body lotion

Chocolates

Shower gel

Coffee mug

Tea or coffee

Fuzzy bath towel

Pamper yourself #2

Manicure kit

Nail dryer

Nail polish

Cotton balls

Nail polish remover

The little thing you put between your toes

Hand lotion

Foot lotion

Pumice stone

Slippers

Hand towel

Wash clothes

Pamper yourself #3

Favorite shampoo

Favorite body wash

Mud mask

Candles

Bath fizz

Body lotion

Hand held massager

Razors

Shaving gel

Body mist

Relaxation cd

Bath pillow

Dessert basket

Cookies mix in a jar

Pastry bag packages

Candy

Wisk

Oven mitt

Brownie or cake mix

Frosting

Cocoa mix

Complete meal basket (a large soup pot or mixing bowl)

Soup in a jar mix

Crackers

Cornbread or biscuit mix

Cookie in a jar mix

Coffee or cocoa mix

Wooden spoon

Wisk

Potholders

Clothe napkins

Winter basket

Gloves

Hat

Scarf

Chap stick

Lotion

Thermal socks

Long johns

Cocoa mix

Coffee cup

Night in basket

Microwave popcorn

Video rental coupon

Pretzels or chips

Movie box size candies

Fleece throw

2-liter pop

Kitchen basket (a large mixing bowl or soup pot)

Dishtowels

Oven mitt

Potholders

Wooden spoons

Wisk

Spices

Vinegars

Oils

Coffee basket

Coffee mixes

Coffee creamer mixes

Coffee cup

Chocolate spoons

Office supplies (wastepaper basket makes a nice container)

Paper clips

Pens

Pencils

Copy paper

White out

Sharpies

Highlighters

Post it notes

Index cards

Black markers

Writing paper

Erasers

Pencil grips

Staples

Calendar

Student basket (I like to put this in a backpack)

Notebooks

Pens

Pencils

Post it notes

Highlighter

Erasers

Index cards

Post it notes

Notebook paper

Folders

Ruler

Compass

Protractor

Markers

Glue

Stress ball

Breakfast basket (large mixing bowl)

Pancake mix

Syrup

Wisk

Potholder

Spatula

Breakfast basket #2 (large mixing bowl)

Muffin pan

Muffin mix

Whisk

Potholder

Honey

Kid’s basket  (tote)

Coloring books

Drawing pad

Crayons

Markers

Finger paints

Watercolors

Paintbrushes

Smock

Kid’s basket #2 (tote)

Play dough

Play dough accessories like

Plastic mat

Little girl’s basket

Tiara

Wand

Play jewelry

Play purse

Dress up shoes

Boa

Fans

Hair accessories

Wigs

Boy’s basket

Army men

Silly puddy

Slinky

Matchbox cars

Squirt guns

Jumping jacks

Whoopi cushion

Marbles

That’s all for now.  I’ll list more gift ideas later.

For some reason it won't let me put it all in one post.  I've tried several times but no go.  So here is the rest.

Dec. 20^th – Read The Innkeeper’s Story. http://www.joyfulheart.com/christmas/innkeepr.htm

We will make plaster of Paris ornaments.  I’m going to use old cookie cutters for molds.

http://www.abcteach.com/babysit/holidays/Christmas/plaster.htm

We are also going to make coffee and cocoa mixes in a jar. http://www.budget101.com/102mix.htm

Dec. 21^st – I found some Christmas mazes that I’m going to let the kids do.  http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/christmas_mazes.htm

We are also going to make a trip to the library and pick up a bunch of Christmas stories.  Then spend the day doing read alouds and drinking cocoa.

Dec. 22^nd – Today we are going to bake lots of Christmas cookies to give to the neighbors, the mailman, and the homeless shelter.

Paper snowflakes are a favor of the kids so we will spend the day making some of these also.

Dec. 23^rd – Make soup in a jar and bread mixes for baskets.  We will be painting some wood ornaments I got on clearance last year at JoAnn Fabrics.  http://www.teachingmom.com/index.php?option=com_recipes&Itemid=53&func=viewcategory&catid=108

Assembly of the gift baskets will begin today.  I got some really nice baskets from the Dollar General and some cellophane with little snowmen on them to wrap them in.

Hopefully we’ll have snow by now and can take the kids sledding.

Dec. 24^th – Bake a birthday cake for Jesus. 

This evening we will read Twas The Night Before Christmas.  You can find the story online here. http://www.blackdog.net/holiday/christmas/twas.html

We will also spend the day playing board games and getting ready for the family to start showing up this evening.

At 5pm we will go to dh’s brothers for his family’s Christmas celebration.  Don’t worry my family all has keys and will let themselves in and start snacking on the treats I’ll have laid out.  We do this every year.

Dec. 25^th – Christ birthday.  We will read the Christmas Story we’ve been working on.  Then we’ll sing happy birthday to Jesus followed by opening the Christmas gifts.  We usually stay home all day and celebrate with the whole family.

Have a Merry Christmas!!

We do what I like to call the 25 days of Christmas.  Everyday we do some activities related to Christmas.  I like to use this time to make homemade gifts with the children and read stories.  Sometimes we do just fun things and sometimes we do lessons but I always try to put the emphasis on Christ and giving.  This also gives the kids a chance to make Christmas presents for people and help mom put gift baskets together.  So this is our plan for the 25 days of Christmas.

Dec. 1^st – start our Christmas Story Book.  There is a page for everyday that they color and has a scripture on it that tells the Story of Christmas.  We’ll do one everyday and add it to a notebook then read it on Christmas morning before opening gifts.  We’ll also read Christmas Facts and Fiction. 

My kids love doing crossword puzzles and I found this one for them to do.

Then we’ll make a few homemade Christmas cards to send out.

Dec. 2^nd – Today we’ll make picture frames for our gift baskets and I’ll print out some photos to put in them of the kids.  I got inspiration for the frames from here.  But I think we’ll skip the screen and hot glue some fun things on them.  The things we glue on will probably depend on whom it is meant for.

Then we’ll start reading a Christmas Carol.  I found it online for free here.

I also found a unit study at Homeschoolestore.com for $3.50 that I’m going to use with it.