Santa Bucks

A few years back, I was concerned that my kids were not fully grasping the spirit of the Christmas season. To help them experience the joy of giving and serving, we started doing "Santa Bucks".

(Feel free to click on the image and download the big picture if you want to make your own Santa Bucks!)

The concept is simple. My husband and I would watch our kids. Every time we saw one of them go above and beyond in demonstrating the Christmas Spirit, they would earn a Santa Buck. With that money, we take them individually out to spend their Bucks on a gift for one of their siblings.

On Dec.1st (or there abouts) we draw names to see who they are going to be earning their bucks for. They love this part! It is so fun to see them try to hide who their "special person" is all month long. We also encourage them to do secret service for that person. Believe it or not, it really works! On Christmas morning, this is one of the presents they look forward to the most. Not for themselves this time, but for the person they bought it for! Success! :)

This year I pimped out our Santa Bucks program by making them some "new and improved" holders.

My inspiration? These fancy pocket thingys from the Dollar Store. They have a magnetic back, so they just stick conveniently to the fridge. But, they were kinda of ugly.

So I traced out a template and cut it to size.

Ta, da! Looking like someone you know??

How 'bout now? I had bought these buckley things years ago. I didn't have a clue what I was going to use them for, but knew they'd come in handy someday. Looks like that day came!

Glue on the satin ribbon/buckle combination. Yes, my glue gun is gnarly. I love it.

Cut the ribbon to size, then seal the edges with my friend. Ever met him before? No? Let me introduce you. First name Fray, last name Check. If you ever use ribbons, this is a must have!! keeps your pretty edges from fraying!! He is a true friend indeed.

Print out your Santa Bucks (and get a little nervous 'cause, you know... you're kinda printing money here!!) Don't worry, friends, this dough has been severely altered thanks to my other best friend, Photoshop. Print with confidence!!

My first printing attempt was... ok. I mean, you can see the money, which is AWESOME, but you can see my fancy holder. Hmm... what do I do?

Print the bucks SMALLER, of course! Ahhh... much better. Can't see the money to well, but who cares?

Oops... forgot to mention one new thing we are going to try this year. I want to record the reasons why they got their buck so they can tell their secret sibling what they did to earn their present. I am really looking forward to that!

I hope you all have a happy 1st of December tomorrow, starting your traditions and advents. Bring it on, Holiday season!!

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