My family moved to the United States 16 years ago from a country that didn’t celebrate Christmas. We did have our own version of this holiday, but it came with its own set of traditions. However, after moving to the Land of Endless Possibilities, we had to learn more than just American English. We spent years learning the history and etiquette, but how would we learn about the traditions for holidays like Christmas, if we don’t have the old family recipes, dozens of Christmas ornaments collected over the years, and old Christmas stories? I remember going to the Hallmark store and asking associates lots of questions since this store is all about good old American traditions.
This time my husband and I are working on something very special for the kids – creating the spirit of Christmas and reminding our precious kiddos that Christmas is a magical time. With the store shelves full of small gifts for every budget, we came up with
Elves Scavenger Hunt – Countdown to Christmas
7 days to Christmas
We are starting with a subtle reminder of Christmas – The Northpole Snowball and its first message in the kids’ room:
Coming to the kitchen we found this: What a mess! Kids, didn’t I tell you to clean up the kitchen table after dinner?
6 days to Christmas
The second snowball arrives with a special message:
We don’t have to go far to find this shiny gift on the doorknob of kids’ room and it is so whimsical.
5 days to Christmas
Believe it or not – we have another snowball message:
And here is what we find in the next room. Snow in the house? Is that even allowed? I am intrigued. How about you, kids?
4 days to Christmas
Another day – another snowball. What is it?
WOW! Hurry put your snowflake on the Christmas tree and make it shine!
3 Days to Christmas
We are getting so close to THE DAY. Who is more excited about the new message, us or the kids?
Kids! Were you making cookies at night? I know I didn’t…
2 days to Christmas
WOW – another snowball message? Don’t you love this one?
Look what we found! This is one ornament we don’t have on our Christmas tree.
Christmas Eve
Let it shine with this snowball – we probably have enough Northpole snowballs by now to have an indoor snow fight!
Are we running out of milk again? Who keeps drinking it? I guess I need to buy some more and soon…
So cute!!! Hallmark always has the best items for the Christmas holiday – from toys and decorations to yes, ornaments too! I always smile while shopping!
Our Walmart also has their Christmas stuff already out. We’re headed there today to check out the goodies!
That is so sweet! I love the holidays and am always looking for ways to make them special for our family. Your snowball messages are perfect!
Awee this is a delightful post! So fun to learn new traditions! I would love to learn some from other countries and religions. Regardless, our family always makes reindeer food – basically some oats, cranberries, raisins, sprinkles, and whatever edibles that are pretty that you can find. Mix it up and be sure to spread out for the reindeers christmas eve! They do get hungry helping santa 🙂
Very cute post. We do Hanukkah and we have our own traditions too
What a fun idea- my parents did things like this all the time when I was growing up- I like that this gets away from the negativity of the ‘Elf on a Shelf’ watching game and celebrates the magic more. It’s great to see what you did with all the wonderful North Pole item.
This is such a cute idea to do a countdown–what a great (but easy) way to really build their excitement in the days leading up to Christmas! #client
How adorable – Santa prefers organic. I love it! I’m sure this will be so much fun for the kids in the days before Christmas. I love Hallmark – so many beautiful and well made items
How fun! I love this idea! I think I’ll be doing this with my kids. Thanks for sharing!
This is so cute. My kids love scavenger hunts. This would just tickle them to pieces!
That looks so adorable and fun. What a great way to surprise the kids with a little something extra!
What a fun and easy family tradition to get the whole family involved in the season and excited. I have not hit up the Christmas aisle yet but have been trying to think of a fun advent calendar for the boys.
Ok, this is truly adorable. My girls would be over the moon.
I can’t wait for Christmas! These toys look like they can really help to get the kids excited!!
What a cute way to make Christmas memories! The snowball is adorable!
Aww, I love this idea! My daughter would have a blast finding all the little notes from the elves. Hallmark makes the best Christmas things.
Totally adorable. I love the way you are telling this story with your photos. Hallmark always has such fun and unique gift ideas for Christmas.
This is such a cute idea! What a fun way to celebrate the holidays!
This is a great idea. One idea a day is very manageable.. How excited the kids must be everyday they get up and it brings them one day closer to Christmas!
Hallmark does have the nicest ornaments, wrapping paper, etc. I could spend hours just going up & down the aisles.
What a clever and fun thing for Christmas time. Thanks for this.