I know that this list is so late and I am sorry about that! I have wanted to have a list that reflects the fact that Orthodox Christians begin preparing for Nativity on November 15 (40 Days), and it took awhile to get my ideas down. I anticipate that things will change from year to year for us. This year is a prime example of the need for flexibility! Our move is tentatively scheduled for December 5th and because of that, many of the things that we like doing each year are going to have to be adjusted to our current reality. Later, I will work on making a Twelve Days of Christmas List for our family which I will post here, too!
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November 15: Clean out the Refrigerator and Grocery Shop for Lenten Foods
November 16: Plant Paperwhites
November 17: Start Writing Out Christmas Lists
November 18: Go Through Books to Give Away
November 19: Go Through Toys to Give Away
November 20: Donate Money and/or Canned Goods to the Food Pantry for Thanksgiving
November 21: Entry of the Most Holy Mother of God
November 22: Plan Christmas Card
November 23: Make Beeswax Ornaments
November 24: Thanksgiving Day!
November 25: Plan Christmas Menu
November 26: Plan Christmas Outfits
November 27: Participate in Gift Giving for those Less Fortunate
November 29: Research Different Christmas Activities in the Area
November 30: Begin Listening to the Messiah
December 1: Put out the Nativity Books
December 2: The Christmas Parade
December 3: Purchase This Year's Ornament Frame
December 4: Little Man's Namesday
December 5: Bake Saint Nicholas Cookies and get Golden Chocolate Coins ready for the Shoes
December 6: Saint Nicholas Day
December 7: Begin Listening to Christmas Music
December 8: Purchase a new Christmas book for our family collection
December 9: Gingerbread House Party at the local bookstore
December 10: Hang winter wreath on front door
December 11: Hang snowflake decorations from dining room chandelier
December 12: Little Man's Birthday
December 13: Saint Lucia and Saint Herman
December 14: Winter Wonderland of Lights Festival
December 15: Decorate the Mantle and Hang Stockings
December 16: Living Nativity
December 17: Watch The Christmas Miracle of Johnathon Toomey/Put Out Nativity Scene
December 18: Hang Garland Around Front Door
December 19: Nutcracker Performance
December 20: Cut Paper Snowflakes for Windows
December 21: Put out Christmas and Winter Decorations
December 22: Bring home the Christmas tree and decorate it
December 23: Christmas Wrapping
December 24: Prepare Food for Parish Feast After Midnight Liturgy