An Advent Idea

Last year a neighbor gave me the coolest gift. A basket, baby Jesus doll, a bag full of straw and this poem:

As time grows near let's all praise God, Christmas morning will soon be here.
God has made His perfect choice, the baby, Christ's birth is near!
As each day passes let's make it our goal to prepare a comfy bed, so when the time comes He'll have a place to rest His tiny head!
We'll add a single piece of straw for each good deed we've done, to fill the manger to the top while having lots of fun!
Until at last the morning comes that we've all been waiting for, we'll run to the bed we've made for Him and see Jesus Christ our Lord!

This really helps keep my kiddos behavior in check for the whole month of December, while anticipating the true meaning of Christmas. Then, early on Christmas morning, place the baby Jesus in the manger and watch the wonder in your children's eyes when they discover His arrival. This is one of my favorite Advent activities! Do you have any favs to share? I'd LOVE to hear about 'em!