The Present Plate

The present plate is my first attempt at an Advent Calendar. I had planned on calling it "The Countdown to Christmas" but my five year-old immediately decided "The Present Plate" was a more accurate description and it just stuck. All it is, is my largest serving platter, covered in white and gold snowflake fabric and loaded up with small bags and jewelry boxes (spray painted gold); each containing a small goody or two or an event / experience. For example, some of the things included are:

• glow in the dark bracelets
• two chocolate coins
• two stickers
• new pens and a note that says "write your name"
• a note saying "go to Turtle Park"
• bath confetti with a note saying "tonight is bath night!"
• two Beanie Babies with a note saying "snuggle with your new friend and watch a show"
  
• two small stuffed animals
• a note saying "play a game after dinner"
• new colored pencils
• two pair of snowman socks and a note saying "go jump on the bed!"
• a note saying "make a special project with Mama"
• two new cups with snowmen on them
• two little McDonald's stuffed puppies

Most of the things are items I picked up on clearance throughout the year, at the after Christmas sales last December, or found while thrifting. I bought the bag and plate-covering fabric when it went on sale last year and then saved jewelry boxes all year long. I came up a bit short with the boxes, but a nice sales woman at Kohl's took pity on me and gave me six of them the day after Thanksgiving. In all, I probably have $25.00 invested in it - including the fabric and paint.

I've had so much fun this December watching them take turns opening a present each night after dinner and then eagerly handing the note to their father or me to read. The Present Plate has been good for S and K; it has helped reinforce the lost art of taking turns, the importance of being happy for another's good fortune, remembering to say "thank you" (even when the gift isn't your favorite,) and of course - keeping track of how many days remain until Christmas (since they know we'll open the last one on Christmas Morning.)

I think this is going to become one of our family traditions...