The days leading up to Christmas don’t have to be boring. This is a time families can use to be together and create great memories.

Here a five ways you can turn your waiting into an exciting one for you and your loved ones:

1. Advent calendar
Create a personalised calendar with 24 tiny drawers or doorways. Put treats, surprises or activities into each door and open one door a day until Christmas.

2. Family photo countdown
Choose a family photo to use each day before Christmas. These photos can be used to decorate walls or make a family holiday tablecloth.

3. Activity jar
Fill a jar with 24 slips of paper, each suggesting an activity like baking, watching a Christmas movie, going on a festive light hunt, or travelling.

4. Christmas movie marathon
Choose classic films or newer Christmas movies that fit your family’s taste and watch them every day until Christmas.

5. DIY ornaments
Use materials like glitter and paint to make new, unique and personalised Christmas ornaments each day. By the time Christmas Day arrives, you will have a lot of decorations for your house.

These ideas are just to get you started. You can tailor them according to your family’s traditions and interests, and remember to have fun while at it.