New Traditions

I picked up this little item last year on clearance not really sure what I would do with it.

It is an advent calendar of sorts to count down the days in December to Christmas.

I've started a new tradition this year.  It seems to be a hit with the kids. 

Each day of December one child has opened the door on the advent tree that corresponds to the date.

Inside the tree they find a slip of paper with someone's name on it.

Whichever kid is lucky enough to have his name on the slip of paper gets to pick a 'treat'.

Mr. Snowman cookiejar is happy to store the 'treats'.

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His tummy holds such things as plastic rings, stickers, whistles, candy and other fun odd things I've collected.

The two little kids thought it was GREAT.  The two big kids weren't much interested until it was their turn to peer into the snowman's hidden treasures.

They were a bit more excited when they realized there was money involved....

yes, cold hard cash.

David helped me fold dollar bills so that it is impossible to tell what denomination they are.

We then taped the bills with packing tape so they stay folded.

Now even John and Emily look forward to seeing their name drawn from the advent tree.

They are having a contest to see who can be the lucky person to pull out the most money.

Family traditions

It's been a lot of fun so far.

The price of the treats for the advent tree?  small

The rewards?  Hopefully wonderful memories for my kids



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