Happy December, Newly Wife readers! I hope you are truly enjoying this enchanting season and embracing its meaning. We’ve been embracing lots of family traditions and enjoying all the local festivities. This is the first year we’ve attempted to “plan ahead” or “loosely schedule” our activities. It all started from the pocket Advent calendar that I made the week between Thanksgiving and the start of December.

It’s been a great way to make sure we’re making time for the things we want to do and not stressing last minute. It also helps to say “no” to other things that may not be as important to us because we already have activities planned.

I say this all even though you may not have kids yet because it wasn’t until we started having kids that we really begin most of our traditions. It’s funny how that happens. Or how you justify putting it off. Our first married year, we ::gasp:: didn’t even have a tree. Looking back, I wished we had enjoyed a few more traditions and activities before the kids came. It is entirely too much fun with them, but I wish we had made a point to embrace more of the season sooner.

In addition to hosting a table at a ladies’ tea, participating in a ladies’ dinner, and seeing the downtown Christmas Tree Lighting parade, we’ve made wrapping paper, picked and decorated our tree, seen the local “lights on steroids” at Deacon Dave’s house, and had a picnic under our tree.

I looked over this list and picked several that fit our family and the traditions we like to do. I also tried to include a few “service”/acts of kindness type of activities too. I was really inspired by this blogger’s kindness project from a few years back. All of these would make great date night ideas!

Maybe you want to host a cookie exchange or have a date night decorating gingerbread houses?? I find its essential to be intentional to make things happen. Even with only two family members to consider instead of our four.

Pinterest has a ton of variations when it comes to Advent calendars.

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So, maybe you thought Advent calendars and activities were only child’s play or for families. But really, they can be for anyone. You can use them to challenge yourself in ways of local kindness and giving. Or to make sure you really embrace this time of year with all its fun festivities. Don’t wait until you have kids!! Start those family traditions THIS year!

Merry Christmas!!

From, the Swensons