Author Archives: Laura

Day 24: Write a Letter to Santa

Day 24

I’m not necessarily talking about the kind of letters we wrote when we were kids, even though they’re cute to stumble upon years later…

santa letter

santa letter2

Instead, take a few moments today to write a letter to Santa to reflect upon what has happened in the past year and your hopes and dreams for the next. Then tuck your letter away with your Christmas decorations at the end of the season. Next year, when you unpack your ornaments and lights, you’ll have your very own little time capsule.

It’s also nice to take a few minutes in the midst of the holiday frenzy to count our blessings and make some wishes.

And with that, we’ve finished this year’s grownup advent calendar. Thank you so much for joining in the fun. It’s been a pleasure to share this experience with you.

Merry Christmas!

Don’t forget to share your results on social media using #grownupadvent. Want to connect? Find me on Twitter @lmchap and Instagram @lmchap614.

New to the page? Don’t worry, it’s never too late to make merry. View the archive to see what we’ve done so far and play catch-up.

Day 23: Make a Charitable Gift

Day 23

As we exchange gifts with our loved ones, let’s give one more to our community.

Select a charitable organization of your choice and give a little donation. It can be some spare change for your local food bank or sending in a check to a cause you support.

Plus, with the holiday season really kicking up in business right about now, this is a good, quick, easy, but super important thing you can do.

Only one more day to go… Thanks for coming along on the ride. I hope you’ve had fun.

Don’t forget to share your results on social media using #grownupadvent. Want to connect? Find me on Twitter @lmchap and Instagram @lmchap614.

New to the page? Don’t worry, it’s never too late to make merry. View the archive to see what we’ve done so far and play catch-up.

Day 22: Treat Yo’ Self to Some Pampering

Day 22

Treat yo’ self. I’m talking fingernails. I’m talking toes. I’m talking facials. I’m talking bubble baths. We’re going to have ourselves a little spa day as we get ready for the holidays.

You can either go out for a little pampering. Or you can go my route, which will be to stay in with some holiday music, my favorite nail polish, and a green mask. And my pores and nails will be glorious for Christmas.

Don’t forget to share your results on social media using #grownupadvent. Want to connect? Find me on Twitter @lmchap and Instagram @lmchap614.

New to the page? Don’t worry, it’s never too late to make merry. View the archive to see what we’ve done so far and play catch-up.

Day 21: Read a Classic Children’s Christmas Story

Day 21

There’s just something about reading a favorite story from your childhood to rekindle the spirit of the season. I’m talking How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Night Before Christmas and so on. For me, it’s a reminder of how I felt reading those stories with my family when I was little. And I’m instantly transported back to that simple wonder for the holiday seasons.

Plus, it’s just fun to pretend that you’re four or five for a few minutes–though I’d argue these stories cross generations and have new meaning as an adult.

If you have kids, you’ve maybe already done this. If so, do the opposite. Grab a more grownup Christmas story and go to town. (This can be a classic or a quirky novella or collection, which is usually my go-to route this time of year.) This is your special time to read.

And, okay, if you’d rather tackle another story on your to-read list, go for it. I’ll repeat what I said: This is your special time to read. Turn on those Christmas lights and music and sink into the spirit of the season.

Don’t forget to share your results on social media using #grownupadvent. Want to connect? Find me on Twitter @lmchap and Instagram @lmchap614.

New to the page? Don’t worry, it’s never too late to make merry. View the archive to see what we’ve done so far and play catch-up.

Day 20: Go on a Holiday Lights Tour

Day 20

This is as simple as it sounds. Go check out some of the holiday lights in your area. Whether it’s for a few minutes or a couple of hours, go see some of the lights and get in the spirit of the season.

Growing up, my parents would fill up our mugs with hot cocoa and load us in the car and we’d drive around town looking at the best places listed in our newspaper. It’s a tradition I still enjoy, and I hope you have fun with this too.

Don’t forget to share your results on social media using #grownupadvent. Want to connect? Find me on Twitter @lmchap and Instagram @lmchap614.

New to the page? Don’t worry, it’s never too late to make merry. View the archive to see what we’ve done so far and play catch-up.

Day 19: Make Sugar Cookies

Day 19

We’re baking sugar cookies today!

Whether you’re going to make the kind that you can cut into shapes (here’s my go-to recipe for that) or just want to roll and drop them on a pan–perhaps covered in a little bit of cinnamon sugar to make them snickerdoodles–I’m sure Santa will prepare that you baked for him. Or these will be a great treat for your co-workers when you take them into work on Monday.

(If you’re like my co-workers and I, we’ve had a steady stream of treats the past couple of months. If someone doesn’t bring in something new to munch on for these last three days of work, I hypothesize that we’ll collapse or something.)

We’re less than a week away from Christmas. We’re in full preparation mode!

Don’t forget to share your results on social media using #grownupadvent. Want to connect? Find me on Twitter @lmchap and Instagram @lmchap614.

New to the page? Don’t worry, it’s never too late to make merry. View the archive to see what we’ve done so far and play catch-up.

Day 18: Watch ‘White Christmas’

Day 18

This has been a pretty tame winter in the Midwest (not that I’m complaining), and I’m not holding much hope for a white Christmas (again, not really complaining–I’m fine not scooping snow). But that doesn’t mean we can’t get the good feels of the season by watching a holiday classic like White Christmas.

This one is available for streaming on Netflix. But if it’s not your cup of tea, or you don’t have Netflix, I encourage you to check out another older classic. Something like Miracle on 34th Street or It’s a Wonderful Life.

If you’re like me, you’ll get the feels and be that much more in the holiday spirit.

Also, if you’re like me, you have a pile of Christmas cookies waiting to be eaten while you watch the movies. I’m also planning on having a “yay, the last full week of work for the year is over” celebratory glass of sparkling wine and a slice of pizza while I watch.

What will you watch? Do you have any go-to snacks on your list for movie watching?

Don’t forget to share your results on social media using #grownupadvent. Want to connect? Find me on Twitter @lmchap and Instagram @lmchap614.

New to the page? Don’t worry, it’s never too late to make merry. View the archive to see what we’ve done so far and play catch-up.

Day 17: Have a Festive Happy Hour

Day 17

Oh, yeah. Whether you’re a cocktail or mocktini kind of person, this is a fun way to spend an hour after a day at the office. Invite a co-worker or a couple of friends to meet you at a bar (or your house if you like) to enjoy something festive.

Not sure what to order (or make)? Don’t worry. I’m here to help:

And if you’re not up for alcohol, here are a few places to look for mocktails:

If you go out, you can also try asking the bartender if they have any specials or seasonal favorites. There are a number of festive wines and beers if that’s more to your taste.

Don’t forget to share your results on social media using #grownupadvent. Want to connect? Find me on Twitter @lmchap and Instagram @lmchap614.

New to the page? Don’t worry, it’s never too late to make merry. View the archive to see what we’ve done so far and play catch-up.

Day 16: Give to a Local Shelter

Day 16

Whether you’re donating some gently used clothes and blankets, sending in cash, or donating some non-perishable food items from your pantry, there are countless ways to make the holidays a little cheerier for people in your community.

Here are some suggestions for ways you can offer support to organizations that support people in your community:

  • Go through your closets and donate non-perishable food items, clothes, home goods, coats, etc.
  • Make a financial contribution. Often times soup kitchens or food banks can buy bulk foods that go a long ways.
  • Give items such as personal hygiene items (including sanitary napkins, shaving gel, etc.), school supplies and more.
  • Donate books and movies to community centers and shelters.
  • Contact a local shelter and find out how you can give your time and energy to helping them fulfill their mission.
  • Research the various types of shelters, food banks, and community outreach organizations in your community and learn about their greatest needs and encourage your friends to provide support.

Taking a few minutes today to do any or all of these things can go a long way to helping out someone in your community.

What are some other ideas and suggestions for supporting shelters/food banks?

Don’t forget to share your results on social media using #grownupadvent. Want to connect? Find me on Twitter @lmchap and Instagram @lmchap614.

New to the page? Don’t worry, it’s never too late to make merry. View the archive to see what we’ve done so far and play catch-up.

Day 15: Treat Yo’ Self to a Holiday Goodie

Day 15

Last Christmas (cue WHAM!) I discovered that I loved close to not one but two cupcake bakeries. And if that wasn’t enough excitement, I found that both had special Christmas varieties available only during December. It became my quest to find and consume all of these treats.

You don’t have to be a glutton like I was, but today is a great day to stop by a bakery or candy shop to find a treat that’s just right for you to enjoy. And because it’s a treat yo’ self day, we’re going to have our cakes (or cookies), eat them, too, and be happy with our splurge.

What’s your favorite Christmas goodie?

Don’t forget to share your results on social media using #grownupadvent. Want to connect? Find me on Twitter @lmchap and Instagram @lmchap614.

New to the page? Don’t worry, it’s never too late to make merry. View the archive to see what we’ve done so far and play catch-up.