Fun Winter Activities for Kids

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a snowman with hat and buttons for winter activities for kids.

Winter can be long and depressing. After the first round of cold and snow, it’s easy to find ourselves longing for warmth. To help combat those feelings, today’s post is full of winter activities for kids.

The perfect thing to help you put together a frugal winter bucket list.

Your kids will love these ideas that will help your your family create special memories during those frigid months.

Playing in the snow! These frugal and fun winter bucket list ideas will take your family from winter blues to creating memories your kids will cherish.

This post uses affiliate links, see our disclosure page more more info.

I’m one of those people who is completely satisfied staying inside curled up on the couch with a good book. But seeing that I have kids, that doesn’t happen but on a rare occasion. They still want to have enjoy other winter activities for kids besides reading books. (Imagine that!)

Often times I need a little extra motivation to face the cold and have fun with the kids.

Moms of littles, I think winter is harder for us. We have kids with a lot of energy cooped up in a house. Bundling up to head outside is a chore and often little kids don’t last long before cold fingers bother them (or they have to use the bathroom and you have to completely unbundle them and then redo it)!

Hopefully using these winter activities for kids will help you create the perfect winter bucket list for your family!

Often, having a list to check off increases motivation. I think it will encourage us to embrace cold weather activities as well as the warm and cozy indoor ones.

Let your kids pick an activity each week (or let each child select an activity each week) – give them something to look forward to (and you will have plenty of time to mentally prepare)!

Disclaimer about the word frugal. Some of these items are only going to be frugal depending on where you live! Skiing in Oklahoma is in no way going to be cheap. But where I grew up skiing and ice skating where super accessible (and free).

Just select the winter activities that work for you and your kids.

Winter Activities for Kids – Creating a Winter Bucket List for Your Family

  1. Ice Skating
    All 3 of my kids were able to experience this for the first time last winter on a trip to Minnesota. They loved it. My 3 year had the best time and was so persistent.
  2. Skiing
    We did this growing up, but it’s something we have yet to do as a family. (My last ski outing as a child I did a summersault. I might just be slightly intimidated by this one.)
  3. Snowboarding
    Again, haven’t done but I know my son would love this if we lived in an area with a real winter.
  4. Sledding
    Every kid loves sledding! Every few years we’ll get enough snow to find a hill and sled, so this has to be taken advantage of.
  5. Ice Fishing
    I have a few memories of doing this with my dad growing up. Such a unique experience.
  6. Build a Snow Man
    Getting basic here, but if it snows you need to build at least one snowman. Or have a snowman building contest. One year we just had a dusting of snow, so the kids made mini 1 foot snow people and still loved it.
  7. Make Snow Angels
    Once again, we are back to the basics. But find an empty patch of snow and make a family of snow angels!
  8. Snowball Fight
    Divide into teams and have an epic battle. Kids against parents, perhaps? Or put mom and dad on opposite teams.
  9. Build a Snow Fort
    Let the kids get creative! Make a fortress, a castle, an igloo or make them all.
  10. Go to a Hockey Game
    Every once in a while, my sister and I got to stay up late and our dad would take us to a hockey game at the local university. The games are always so exciting.
  11. Go Caroling
    Go as a family or coordinate with a group of friends and make the rounds. Stop by the homes of the elderly from your church (great thing to do and easy to social distance)!
  12. Looking at Christmas Lights
    One of my kiddos’ must do winter activities for kids. We drive through neighborhoods and our city’s large display. Some years we’ll drive to a walk through display.
  13. Truth in the Tinsel
    Looking for a fun way to countdown to Christmas and keep Christ at the center of the season? Truth in the Tinsel is a fun advent experience for kids.
  14. Peppermint Playdough.
    All kids like playdough, right? Make it fit the season by turning it into peppermint playdough.
  15. Bubble Bath
    Bath time is always a great time killer on those long cold days. Bubbles make it even more fun for the kids.
  16. Make Snow Ice Cream
    This is something we only have enough snow to do once every 5 years, but if you live in a snowy area, the kids love this.
  17. Decorate Sugar Cookies
    My 3 children have to do this each year! I try to stay as hands off as possible – give them the supplies and let them decorate however they’d like.
  18. Deliver Sugar Cookies.
    Plate or box up the decorated cookies and drop them off at your friends or neighbors. You can hand deliver or leave the (well wrapped) cookies on the front porch and send a text to let your friends know they have a delivery.
  19. Make a Fire
    Bundle up and do an outdoor bonfire (with s’mores of course) or start a fire in your fire place and cozy up around it as a family and read a book aloud or take turns telling stories.
  20. Family Game Night
    Too cold (and dark) to go out? Bring out a stack of board games and start playing. Game night is always a hit in our house.
  21. Indoor Camp Out
    Pile blankets and pillows in the living room and have a family sleepover on the floor. This would be fun to do on the same night you light the fire.
  22. Read Winter Themed Books
    Pictures Books:
    The Snowy Day
    The Mitten
    Katy and the Big Snow
    Chapter Books:
    Miracles on Maple Hill
    The Long Winter
    Snow Treasure
    The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
  23. Make A Scarf
    Scarves and winter just go together. This would be a fun project for you and your daughters to do together.
  24. Winter Crafts for Kids or Adults.
    Take advantage of it being too cold to go out and do some fun crafts as a family. You can find something for everyone!
  25. Frozen Bubbles
    So fun! Your kids will love trying this out on a cold day.
  26. Advent Calendar
    Once December hits, start an advent calendar to count down the days to Christmas. You can go as simple or elaborate as you’d like. Or do this reverse advent calendar!
  27. Bake Something with Peppermint
    Peppermint just goes with the winter months. Here is an easy recipe for Chocolate Crinkle Peppermint Cookies or Peppermint Hot Fudge Sauce.
  28. Bake Something with Cranberries 
    Another quintessential winter baking ingredient! Maybe plan a menu where each dish includes cranberry.
  29. Hot Chocolate Bar
    Do this along with family game night or while reading one of the winter themed chapter books. Have your hot chocolate (homemade is yummy or use powdered) and then have dishes with items to add into your mug. Things like: mini chocolate chips, whipped cream, sprinkles, candy cane pieces, crushed candy bars etc.
  30. Watch a Christmas Movie
    Elf
    The Santa Clause
    Nativity Story
    Star
  31. Nutcracker Ballet
    One year my aunt and uncle took us to see the Nutcracker Ballet. It was such a special outing. Go as a family or maybe take your kids on a special date when they reach a certain age.
  32. Family Christmas Card
    Use the early cold months to write (and address envelopes) a Christmas letter/card as a family.
  33. Volunteer
    Call and see if the food pantry (or humane society or other non-profit) could use some help!
  34. Winter Science Experiments
    Science experiments are always a homerun in my house. The kids would love doing these winter themed ideas.

Girl with getting ready to blow snow off of her hands

What are your favorite winter activities for kids? What does your family look forward to each year?

Hopefully, taking the time to plan some special moments and creating a winter bucket list will keep the cold, dreary gloom from taking over your family.

Even a few minutes of purposeful fun each day when it comes winter activities for your kids can go a long way in bettering attitudes, beating the winter blues, and creating memories your kids will remember!

Hot cocoa in the snow! These frugal and fun winter bucket list ideas will take your family from winter blues to creating memories your kids will cherish.

Originally published November 13, 2018

Double Chocolate Quick Bread

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sliced loaf of double chocolate quick bread

We have a lot of chocolate fans in our house, so this double chocolate quick bread was a winner!

Quick breads are typically used as a breakfast item. A very indulgent one, in this case. (Though donuts are also considered breakfast, so this can’t be much worse! Perfect for an occasional treat.)

This bread is yummy enough that we have also enjoyed it for dessert after supper in the evening.

Lots of cocoa powder and a decent amount of chocolate chips will make this double chocolate quick bread a frequently requested recipe.

Affiliate links are used in the posts. Please see disclosure page for more details.

dry ingredients for double chocolate quick bread

Double Chocolate Quick Bread Ingredients

  • Flour
  • Brown sugar
  • Salt
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Cocoa powder
  • Buttermilk
  • Oil
  • Butter
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla
  • Chocolate chips

It might seem like a long list, but they are almost all things you have at home in your pantry already!

Buttermilk might be the only ingredient you don’t have on hand, but trust me it’s worth it! Buttermilk makes yummy dinner rolls, the best pancakes, and also a great quick bread!

double chocolate quick bread batter in pans

Chocolate Chocolate Quick Bread Instructions

The first thing you need to do is measure your buttermilk and set it and the eggs out on the counter to come to room temperature.

This is important because you don’t want to cause the melted butter and coconut oil (if that’s what you choose to use) to harden from the milk and eggs being cold.

Next, preheat your oven to 375 degrees.

(I learned this tip from Andrea Dekker – always preheat your oven to 25 degrees hotter than what you are going to bake it at and turn down after putting the baked goods in.)

Now combine your dry ingredients: flour, sugar, salt, baking powder & soda, and cocoa powder. Be sure to stir well so there are no streaks of flour or cocoa powder remaining. Stir in the chocolate chips. (Reserving a few for the top)

Note: The amount of chocolate chips is up to you! I recommend between 1 and 2 cups. Obviously, more chocolate is always better but I totally get using less to stretch the bag. Do what you want.

Melt the butter and coconut oil. Let cool until warm, not hot. Add the room temperature buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla and whisk until combined.

Pour wet ingredients over the dry and fold mixture until combined. Don’t over mix but you don’t want clumps of flour either.

Grease your baking pans well! Pour mixture in. Press remaining chocolate chips into the top of the dough.

Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes. (Check at 30 minutes.)

Let cool in pans for 10 minutes and remove to cooling rack.

Let’s talk pans!

I use my set of mini USA Pans. You’ve heard me talk about these before. My favorite brand of muffin tin as well. These pans measure 5.25 x 3 x 2.25 and the batter will fill 3 of them. Of course you may use a different pan, or even one large pan – just know you will need to adjust the baking time so watch carefully!

This recipe would also work great as double chocolate muffins!

close up of double chocolate quick bread

If you are want a little healthier muffin, be sure to check out these 3 recipes:

Oat Flour Pumpkin Muffins with Cranberries and Chocolate Chips
Chocolate Banana Oatmeal Muffins
Dairy Free Oat Flour Banana Muffins

Double Chocolate Quick Bread Recipe

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Double Chocolate Quick Bread Recipe
Author: 
Recipe type: Bread
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 3 loaves
 
This double chocolate quick bread makes a delicious breakfast bread or you can even enjoy it as dessert. Loaded with cocoa powder and chocolate chips, it's the chocolate lover's dream!
Ingredients
  • 1¾ cups flour
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ¾ cup cocoa powder
  • 1⅓ cup buttermilk (room temperature)
  • ¼ cup oil (coconut oil melted or oil of choice)
  • ¼ cup butter, melted
  • 2 eggs (room temperature)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1-2 cups chocolate chips
Instructions
  1. Measure the buttermilk. Put buttermilk and eggs on counter to come to room temperature. (Very important!)
  2. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Butter well 3 mini loaf pans (5.25 x 3 x 2.25). (You may use a large loaf pan, you will need to adjust baking time.)
  3. In a mixing bowl combine flour, brown sugar, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and cocoa powder. Be sure to mix until no streaks of flour or clumps remain. Add desired amount of chocolate chips, reserving a few to sprinkle on top of the bread.
  4. In a small bowl place (room temperature) buttermilk, eggs, liquid oil, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk until combined.
  5. Pour wet ingredients into dry and fold to combine. Don't over mix but you also don't want streaks of dry ingredients remaining.
  6. Pour batter into the 3 prepared pans. Press remaining chocolate chips over the top of the batter.
  7. Place in oven. Turn oven down to 350 degrees.
  8. Bake for 30-35 minutes.
  9. Let cool for 10 minutes in pans. Carefully remove from pans and cool completely on rack.

 

How to Celebrate Christmas on a Budget

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Wrapped Christmas boxes and graphic for Christmas on a budget

Christmas on a budget. What are some ways we can spend less and save money this Christmas?

There are 5 simple things you can do to cut costs and make sure this year is still one you will look back on fondly.  You will need to:

  • know your budget
  • make a list
  • evaluate your current traditions
  • come up with budget friendly alternatives
  • look for ways to save

Don’t worry, we’ll get to the details of how to do each of those things below.

Maybe you’ve encountered job loss, increased expenses or are working hard to reach some financial goals.

Whatever the reason, you are looking for ways to enjoy celebrating Christmas with your family (our kids still want to have fun after all) but do it on as little money as possible.

Yes, it might take some sacrifices and thinking outside the box.

Your family’s traditions might not happen in the standard way, but you can still celebrate the season and enjoy creating (frugal) memories with your family.

How to Celebrate Christmas on a Budget

Know your budget

It’s really important to know how much you have to spend. That will help you make the decisions you need to in the following step.

You know your finances and what amount, if anything, you have set aside for Christmas.

If you really have no extra money, see what you can come up with and use that money as your budget.

Maybe spend less on groceries or go on a spending freeze and apply what you save to Christmas. You could also find ways to earn extra money.

If you already have money set aside, you have your budget. You will just need to make sure you stick with it as you decide what to do.

Make a list

Second, sit down with your spouse (just the two of you to begin with, add the kids in a little later). You could even turn it into a little at home date night with hot drinks and homemade popcorn or cookies.

Write down all the things you normally do over the Christmas season and on Christmas day.

Think of things such as:

  • normal travel plans
  • visiting family
  • Christmas tree
  • presents (include everyone you normally buy for)
  • holiday baking
  • holiday parties
  • Christmas Day/Eve food
  • outings

Every tradition that you normally do. If you know it, include the approximate cost next to each item.  

Now that you have your list, move on to the third step of celebrating Christmas on a budget.

Evaluate your Christmas traditions

Take that list you just made and now go over it and evaluate each of the items

You need to determine how important everything on your list is.

Are you willing to eliminate it this year? Is it something you could adapt and change to make more affordable? What will work with the money you have?

Let’s look at a few examples from the above list:

-If you go to a farm and cut a live Christmas tree, would it be okay to skip that this year (if not, maybe cut a very small tree)?

-Consider cutting back on Christmas presents. Or even telling family you won’t be able to make it to all of the festivities this year and that you will be celebrating a simple Christmas with just your immediate family instead.

-Instead of the dozens of holiday treats you normally make, have each person in your family select one.

I can’t tell you what to do here. It will look different for every family.

One year, we didn’t get a tree. We’ve done years with very budget friendly presents. We’ve skipped holiday outings that have cost money.

You will need to look over everything on your list and decide what areas your family is willing to cut back on.

After you have done this initial work to conquering Christmas on a budget, this is where you will want to bring your kids into the process. Either for finalizing this step or as you move into step 4.

Come up with budget friendly alternatives

Next you will come up with cheap alternatives – some of these might become new traditions because they are so well loved!

Don’t just take away everything your kids (and you) look forward to about the holiday season. Replace it with something else and give it a positive spin when you present the ideas to your children.

It’s okay to explain to your children that money is tight so things might look a little different, but remind them that it is okay because you are still going to work together to make this a special Christmas.

[This post has a great list of frugal things to do on Christmas day!]

-Maybe this year you will replace your prime rib dinner with everyone making their own personal pizzas!

-Draw names for gift giving instead of purchasing for everyone. (Or do something like this Saran Wrap Christmas Ball Game)

-Go out and find a Charlie Brown Christmas tree.

-Instead of whatever paid Christmas outings you normally go on, try a family Christmas light scavenger hunt and make hot chocolate at home to bring with you. (Here’s another link for a printable scavenger hunt with pictures for younger kids.)

-If you decide to not travel to see family Christmas day, check out this post for cheap, fun things you can do on Christmas Day!

Get creative! Let your kids think outside of the box.

[For 11 tips on Christmas Presents On a Budget, be sure to check out this post!]

Look for ways to save

One final tip. Look at which things you are going to be doing and see if you can find ways to save money on at least some of them.

Below are some ideas to get you thinking:

-Wait to buy the baking supplies you need until they are on sale (and they almost all do go on sale over the holidays).

-If you decided to still buy gifts for your kids or any others, keep your eyes open year round for presents. You might find the perfect gifts on clearance.  Don’t discount Facebook Marketplace for buying like new items that you know your kids would love and would otherwise be out of the budget.

-Watch for discount days (often shared about on social media) or Groupons for any paid outings you have decided to go on.

-Pack your own meals for road trips instead of eating out.

Don’t discount small savings. When money is tight, those little things really do add up.

Know your budget. Make a list. Evaluate your traditions. Come up with budget friendly alternatives. Look for ways to save.

These tips will help you conquer Christmas on a budget this year and I think you will actually find yourself enjoying the memories you make.

What other suggestions do you have to celebrate Christmas on a budget?

Christmas cookies and a tablet that says Merry Christmas! How to celebrate Christmas on a budget.

Instant Pot Boxed Mac and Cheese

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Instant Pot and a bowl of cooked Macaroni and cheese

Have you jumped on the Instant Pot train in the past few years? Do you know you can make Instant Pot boxed mac and cheese?

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Before you dismiss the idea (because after all isn’t boxed mac and cheese one of the easiest things to make anyway), let me tell you I prefer this method because the noodles and water go into the Instant Pot and I don’t have to touch it until after the time is up.

There’s no waiting for the water to boil to add the noodles and no having the drain the water after the noodles are cooked.

I actually enjoy making macaroni and cheese from scratch and it’s how I always make it when we have it for dinner.

But boxed mac and cheese has become a fun once a week lunch that the kids look forward to.

horizontal picture of 8 quart instant pot and boxed mac and cheese

Instant Pot Boxed Mac and Cheese Instructions

These are the instructions for an 8 quart Instant Pot. (There’s a recipe card at the end of the post with all of these instructions.)

Take two boxes of mac and cheese. Just your basic size and type.

Place the noodles from both boxes into the instant pot. Cover with 3 cups of water.

Make sure the vent is on sealing. Turn Instant Pot to High Pressure and set the time for 4 minutes.

After the time has completed do a Quick Release and turn pot off.

Open the pot. You will see some water, but that’s okay. Use a wooden spoon to break apart the noodles and stir them.

noodles cooked in the Instant Pot

Pour 3/4 cup of milk over the noodles. Add 4-6 tablepoons of butter. Dump both cheese pouches over the milk and butter. Stir to combine. Add more milk if needed.

(If it happens to be too liquid-y, you can turn the Instant Pot to sauté and cook, while stirring, a few minutes until the liquid absorbs. I do not have this problem when using the amounts listed above, though.)

Isn’t that simple!

Finished mac and cheese in the Instant Pot

Things to Add to Boxed Mac and Cheese

We all know there’s nothing fancy about boxed mac and cheese. Here are some ideas to help you jazz it up. And bonus, all of these would work for homemade macaroni and cheese as well.

My mom was a make it from scratch kind-of person (and I tend to follow her in that – thus boxed mac and cheese and store bought bread being something my kids get excited about) but I remember one time she made boxed mac and cheese and added peas and hot dogs to it. A random childhood memory for you.

Now, let’s get brainstorming!

For each of the ideas, you would just stir it in after noodles have cooked. So when, or directly after you mix in the milk and cheese powder.

  • Sliced cooked hot dogs (and some peas if you’d like)
  • Leftover, sliced smoked sausage
  • Taco meat! You can also stir in some diced tomatoes and cheddar cheese.
  • Diced ham
  • Crumbled, cooked bacon
  • Extra cheese (parmesan, smoked gouda, cheddar, monterey jack etc)
  • Cooked ground beef and diced tomatoes (add salt and pepper as well)
  • Veggies: leftover steamed (or roasted) broccoli, mushrooms, sautéed onions, fresh spinach etc
  • Diced or shredded cooked chicken
  • BBQ pulled pork
  • Garlic
  • Chili

Basically, there’s an endless number of options.

Look and see what you have available. Try some different combinations that sound tasty. Any of these will take the standard mac and cheese up a notch.

What are you favorite mac and cheese additions?

If you are looking for some other kid friendly pasta recipes, check these out:
Skillet Lasagna
Healthy Chicken Spaghetti

Instant Pot and 2 boxes of Mac and Cheese

Instant Pot Boxed Mac and Cheese Recipe

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Instant Pot Boxed Mac and Cheese Recipe
Author: 
Recipe type: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 4-6
 
The Instant Pot is a fast and easy way to cook up boxed mac and cheese! Here's exactly how to do it. These instructions are for an 8 quart instant pot.
Ingredients
  • 2 (7.25 ounces each) boxes of macaroni and cheese
  • 3 cups water
  • ¾-1 cup milk
  • 4-6 tablespoons butter
Instructions
  1. Place the noodles from both boxes into the Instant Pot. Pour 3 cups of water over the top.
  2. Secure lid. Set valve to sealing. Turn to High pressure and put the time at 4 minutes.
  3. After the 4 minutes are up, do a quick release and turn the pot off.
  4. Remove lid and use a wooden spoon to break up the noodle clumps. (It's okay if there is extra water, the noodles will continue to absorb it.)
  5. Pour ¾ cup milk over the noodles and add however much butter you'd like (between 4 and 6 tablespoons). Sprinkle the cheese powder from both boxes over the mixture. Stir everything until combined.
  6. Add additional milk if needed.
Notes
If there is too much liquid (I've not had this problem following these steps), turn the pot to sauté and cook and stir a few minutes until the excess liquid is absorbed.

If you'd like to stir in any additional ingredients (as talked about in the post) do so after the final step and set to sauté and stir if needed to heat through.

 

 

Reverse Advent Calendar for Christmas

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a box food of food donations for a reverse advent calendar

Have you heard of, or done, a reverse advent calendar before?

I may have been living under a rock because this concept of a reverse advent calendar was a new one to me. But what a great idea. Especially this year when non-profit organizations are struggling more than usual.

We all know how a traditional advent calendar works. They are something that is used to count down to Christmas.

Maybe it is filling in a component to a manger scene each day or opening a flap on a picture. Growing up we placed felt ornaments on a felt tree. Today, in our family we have a simple one where the kids take turns moving the heart one pocket further each day.

In recent years, advent calendars have become more elaborate and more expensive. Often kids will receive chocolate or a small gift each day. Lego even has advent calendars. There are sock advent calendars.

In a season that already includes so much chaos and receiving of gifts, a reverse advent calendar is a nice way to help our kids remember to focus on others!

I love things that are simple and easy to do, even as a busy mom with young kids. This fits the bill perfectly!

There are a couple of simple free printables that you can use – you’ll find them at the end of the post.

a picture of a white drawer advent calendar with a graphic for a reverse advent calendar

What is a Reverse Advent Calendar?

Basically, instead of receiving something each day you follow a calendar and give something to a non-profit organization each day leading up to Christmas. It is easiest to have a box or basket in your house to collect the items in and then deliver it at the end.

Have a list with 24 lines for the 24 days to finish Christmas Eve. (Or 25 lines for the 25 days leading up to and including Christmas.) On each line you’ll write down what you are going to donate that day.

You can do one item per day, or you can organize what you are donating from most to least expensive and collect 1 the item on day one, 2 on day two etc.

What to Do For a Reverse Advent Calendar?

  1. First, you’ll need to decide what charity (or charities) you would like to collect items for.

Here are some ideas:

  • Food pantry
  • Clothes closet
  • Homeless shelter
  • Pregnancy center
  • Foster care
  • Veteran care
  • Humane society
  • Any other local organization you care about
  • You could drop the items off anonymously to a family you know needs things

2. Unless you are involved with the organization you choose, contact them and ask what needs they might have this winter.

You might as well spend money on things people need rather than something that will take up precious storage space and never get used.

3. Use the organizations suggestions to start filling in the lines on your Reverse Advent Calendar.

Other options instead of the simple printable version:

  • you can make a paper chain with what you are collecting for that day on each link. Every morning your kids can remove a link.
  • Write on slips of paper and put them in the reusable advent calendar you normally use.
  • Make your own advent calendar and replace the candy or gifts with papers saying what you are collecting that day. Here are two ideas.

4. Share with your kids what you are doing and why! Let them get excited and feel a part of this event:

  • Take them each day (or week) to purchase the items.
  • Have them read the calendar every day and put the appropriate supplies into your collection box.
  • If you have little kids, you could also hide the day’s items around your house and the kids have to go on a treasure hunt to find them and put them in the box – my kids would love this!

(If you are including Christmas Day in your calendar, do this first thing in the morning before you dive into presents and stockings. Start your day thinking about others, and have your kids know how fun it is to give.)

5. After Christmas, be sure to take your children with you as you go to drop off the supplies. You could even have them make thank you cards for the organization for the work that they are doing.

Now, here are some free printable reverse advent calendars I put together for you. Simply print them out, fill in the details, and hang it on your fridge!

Have you done a reverse advent calendar before? Which charities did you collect supplies for?