4th • SANTA'S LIST DAY

Santa’s List Day (officially celebrated on December 4th - but don’t let that stop you from doing it any time). It’s all about revving up the holiday excitement and anticipation for the kids. It marks the time of year when Santa makes his list and checks it twice to find out who’s been naughty or nice! The origins of Santa's List Day aren't well-documented, but it ties into the classic tale of Santa Claus and his holiday preparations.

  1. CREATE A KINDNESS COUNTDOWN CALENDAR: Kick off the month with a calendar that lists small acts of kindness for each day in December. Kids can draw or write their daily actions in it, reminding them that being “nice” is really about being kind.

  2. SANTA’S HELPERS: Let kids imagine they're Santa’s helpers by writing a “Santa's Nice List.” Include everyone in the family, pets, and even friends! Make it fun by coming up with reasons each person earned their spot. Kids can add stickers or stamps to make it extra festive.

  3. “NAUGHTY OR NICE ” STORYTIME: This is fun for little kids. Read holiday stories that involve characters learning important lessons (like the Grinch!) and ask kids if they think those characters would be on the naughty or nice list, and why.

  4. CREATE “NAUGHTY” AND “NICE” JARS: Set up two jars and let kids put a chit in the “Nice” jar every time they do something thoughtful. I like a red poker chips for the “stop” naughty and a “green” go chip for nice - but marbles, candy, buttons, etc., also work).

  5. CREATE A SHOW TUNE: Teach your children the song “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.” Choreograph your own family version with finger wagging, dance steps, twirls jazz hands, etc. This is a great family activity that you will enjoy over and over each Christmas well into their adulthood! Props can make it even more fun.

Mary Mayxmas activity ideas