A few years ago I started hearing about this crazy Christmas tradition, "Elf on a Shelf." It is sort of just one more way to lie to your kids and manipulate them into behaving during Christmas break. Or a chance to bring magic and fun into kids lives. Either way when I found out how much the mischievous elf cost I decided to skip the tradition. Still a part of me liked the idea of something special during Christmas time for the girls to look forward too.
So this year I decided to start a new tradition, one that is very much me, "Christmas Barbie." I already had the doll, she use to be part of my decorations. I just had to come up with ways to use her. I didn't want silly pranks, instead I wanted her to show the girls what they would do that day. We are just finishing day twelve which seemed like a good time to share because there are twelve days until Christmas if anyone want to use any ideas.
Day 1:
Barbie made herself wings and a halo.
The girls made clothespin angels.
Day 2:
Barbie set out art supplies.
The girls drew some of their favorite Christmas traditions.
Day 3:
Barbie made bells and got out Wii Music.
The girls also made bells and then played on the Wii.
Day 4:
Barbie had everything ready for a starry night crayon resist painting.
The girls colored hard with the crayons then painted lightly with the water paints.
Day 5:
Barbie set up my nativity.
The girls then got to make paper nativities of their own.
Day 6:
Movie time! We watched "What's in the Bible? Volume 10" it talks about the gospels which is what Christmas is all about.
Day 7:
Barbie started to decorate the tree, with a few new ornaments as a bonus surprise.
The entire family took part in this activity.
Day 8:
Instead of an activity Barbie delivered early presents.
Day 9:
Just because we are on Christmas break doesn't mean we can't learn, right? Barbie takes a closer look at wool.
The girls had fun playing with the microscope. Merry especially wanted to look at everything and anything that fit on a slide.
Day 10:
Barbie encouraged us to get cleaning, now that decorations were out their boxes didn't need to stay in.
Day 11:
Barbie made a card for the girls.
They were able to make cards for their friends.
Day 12:
Barbie made a snowflake chain.
The girls made flakes of all sizes, they had fun trying different designs.
So there are the first 12 days with Christmas Barbie, a fun tradition. I'm glad I came up with it. It also helps me to plan at least the night before so I have something to keep the kids busy during our break.
