12.01.2010

Christmas Book (& Activity!) Advent

I would be foolish indeed to think that I could keep up a regular Mommy School routine this month.  Let's face it--we're all swamped during the holidays!  I want to truly enjoy all of the fun, festive events.  Although I am anxious to dream up fun learning activities and packets, I decided to simplify my life a bit.  I am still unpacking, organizing, PLUS I have some serious shopping to do.  (Not that I'm complaining about the shopping.  Some of it is for myself, so that's fun!)

Instead of Mommy School, I have another plan.  Introducing (drum roll, please!)...
My book advent will be a bit different, however.  In addition to reading a Christmas story each day, we will do some kind of craft, project, or hands-on activity to go along with the book!  I will probably slide some selfish Mommy crafts in with Little Man crafts and other family holiday festivities.  It may be a bit rushed this year, but I am still excited to get started!!

I got the books wrapped during naptime today.  I just made some book number tags and taped them to the books.  So this is what he will see when he wakes up... Are you dying to know what book is wrapped up for Day 1?  Well, stay tuned!  Each day, I will share our book advent adventures!

I have tons of Christmas books from teaching, and I shop the used book sales and constantly pick up more.  PLUS I dominate the library reserve system.  I have been reserving Christmas books for weeks so I could have plenty of options.  I am still waiting on a couple of books to come in from the Library, and I may shift my books a bit.  But here are the books I am planning on including so far:

Santa's Toy Shop
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Frosty the Snowman
Snowmen at Christmas
How Santa Got His Job
If You Take a Mouse to the Movies
Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree
Corduroy's Christmas
What Santa Can't Do
The Mouse Before Christmas
Here Comes Santa Claus
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
The Night Before Christmas
Jingle Bells
The First Night
The Polar Express
Merry Christmas, Curious George
Merry Christmas, Mom and Dad
The Gingerbread Man
The Biggest, Most Beautiful Christmas Tree

Do you have any other favorite Christmas books that would be appropriate for a toddler?  Stay tuned for a report of Day 1!

16 comments:

  1. jeanineDecember 1, 2010 at 7:06 PM

    Mortimer's Christmas Manger by Karma Wilson is so good and sweet.

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  2. Michele {The Scrap Shoppe}December 1, 2010 at 7:07 PM

    I never even realized there were so many options for Christmas books! I think this is a super fun idea and fabulous for kids. Whatever we can do to get them to read is great in my book! ;)

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  3. An Experiment in HappinessDecember 1, 2010 at 7:28 PM

    Love this idea! How wonderful, you have a lucky family.
    ~Jessica

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  4. Angee @ October MorningDecember 1, 2010 at 7:42 PM

    I'm doing the same thing with my daughter each day. I love all your ideas and can't wait to see what your doing (and borrow a few)!

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  5. AndreaDecember 1, 2010 at 7:47 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  6. School Day LoveDecember 1, 2010 at 7:49 PM

    I can't wait to see your activities! I just started my book wrapping in my classroom- so fun!

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  7. AndreaDecember 1, 2010 at 7:49 PM

    We LOVE Snowmen at Night by Caralyn and Mark Buehner. :)

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  8. AshleyDecember 1, 2010 at 7:57 PM

    I love the Gingerbread Baby by Jan Brett. Go to her website: www.janbrett.com for activity ideas to go along with the book. We use these masks to retell the story: http://www.janbrett.com/gingerbread_baby_masks_main.htm

    Come over to 25 Days of Christmas at www.meandmarielearning.blogspot.com

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  9. Sassy Sites!December 1, 2010 at 8:52 PM

    So cute! I would love for you to link this up to our Sassy Sites Christmas party... advent calendars!! :)

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  10. maliaDecember 1, 2010 at 11:41 PM

    What a great idea Alison!
    xoxo malia
    www.yesterdayontuesday.com

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  11. Tony and WhitneyDecember 2, 2010 at 9:44 AM

    You are simply amazing. You make me want to be a better mom! Love this idea! I'm so doing it!

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  12. Sara @ Mom EndeavorsDecember 2, 2010 at 10:37 PM

    Such a great idea!!! Love it!! Now, to just get some more books...

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  13. HollyDecember 3, 2010 at 7:39 AM

    I'm sure your little man will have a great time with this! I also love the book Wombat Divine by Mem Fox, a Christmas favorite at our house.

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  14. Tony and WhitneyDecember 3, 2010 at 9:46 AM

    p.s. A couple of other good books: The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey, The Christmas Oranges. Both excellent stories.

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  15. bonniedtannerDecember 3, 2010 at 9:54 AM

    Alison!

    I did this with my students (in Utah anyway) and it was so much fun. There is a fun book that I found called The Gift of Nothing that isn't a super Christmasy book, but I actually used it as a visiting teaching message. . hee hee. Little kids may not get the humor, especially a 2 year old, but it is a fun one. The author is Patrick McDonnell.

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  16. AmandaApril 17, 2011 at 7:32 AM

    I just came across your blog and I LOVE this idea. I plan to try this with little man this year. Thanks for the great idea!!

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