Glistening tree, fire crackling softly in the background, house smelling of fresh-baked cookies... Ah, it’s December again. Truly, the most magical month of the year. 

And what makes it even more special is having a baby or a toddler. Then making memories as a part of the daily agenda is a must! 

In case the Elf on the Shelf has already granted you his presence, and you have sent the letter to Santa, we have prepared 12 days of festive Christmas activities just for you and your angel. Make each one of them count!

1. 12 days till Christmas

Source: The Fox + Stars

The first Advent calendar originated in Germany in the early 20th century, but today the tradition is practiced all around the world, being particularly very much beloved by children.  

Unfortunately, kid-friendly calendars offered in stores are often not that kid-friendly. Filled with miniature toys and treats high in sugar and artificial flavors, they might not be the best option for your little one. Not to mention that their prices are usually too high. Definitely not worth it for the value!

Here's what you can do instead.

Select treats and small gifts appropriate for your kid and place them in hand-made envelopes. Coloring books, mini puzzles, chalk, Play-Doh, balloons, you name it, it's up to you and the budget that you have set.

Traditional Advent calendars usually have 12 or 25 doors, but you can prepare a number, depending on the days you have left till Christmas.

Decorate and open them together.

2. Magical sensory bottles

Source: Fireflies & Mud Pies

Those magical sensory bottles are easy to make and are suitable for both babies and toddlers.

All you need is a couple of transparent plastic bottles or containers, some colorful beads, glitter, and Christmas bells.

Insert the beads, glitter, and bells into the bottles, and voila, your sensory rattles are ready. They serve as a lovely decoration, too!

3. Christmas Cookies Play Dough

Source: Modern Parents Messy Kids

Children love playing with dough, but everybody knows that food is not to play with.

However, this fun idea can allow little aspiring chefs to experiment with different recipes in the kitchen.

Ingredients needed:
- 2 cups plain flour
- 1/2 cup salt
- 3 tablespoons baby oil
- 2 tablespoons cream of tartar
- 3, 4 cups of boiling water
- 1 tablespoon of Christmas spice blend

Place all dry ingredients in a bowl. Then add the baby oil and place the bowl in the boiling water. Stir the mixture well and leave it to cool down. And just like that, in a few minutes, you will have a smooth and soft dough with which your little one will be playing for hours.

4. Festive Baking

Source: Like Mother Like Daughter

...And talking about cookie dough.

No Christmas is complete without cookies. And as children really love to be involved in cooking, here is an easy recipe for peanut butter biscuits that you can do together.

The ingredients needed are a cup of peanut butter, a cup of brown sugar, and an egg. Mix everything together and give the dough a festive shape. Add Christmas elements for that Christmas feel. The result will be delicious!

5. A Christmas treat for birds

Source: Zero Waste Nerd

Popcorn garlands are an all-time classic. But instead of adorning your Christmas tree indoors, you can hang it somewhere outside for birds to enjoy, instead.

Prepare the popcorn and some dry bread and help your toddler with the needle. Use plastic needles for the safety of your toddler.

Guarantee your little one will enjoy the activity. Plus, you will show how important it is to take care of nature and animals.

6. A Christmas trip to the library

Source: Kinder Care

Nothing awakens the festive spirits better than a good Christmas story. Give a trip to the local library and seek Christmas books that you can read together before bed.

Some of the timeless children's books to keep an eye for are:

- A Charlie Brown Christmas by Charles M. Schulz and Vicki Scott
- Bear Stays Up for Christmas by Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman
- A Christmas Carol by Jennifer Adams and Alison Oliver
- The Night Before Christmas by Charles Santore
- Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer by Robert L. May