I was so excited when I found this idea for The Minivan Express! If you know me at all, you know that I ran right into photoshop and made up some Golden Tickets for the adventure! And you also know I have them here to share with you of course!
Click on the image to download!
I plan on going online and seeing where the best Christmas lights are in our area, then planning a little map so our nights not a bust! In a week or so when no one is expecting it, I will hide the “Golden Tickets” in my kids’ beds. My husband will start bed/bathtime as usual, while I prepare little bags of popcorn and possibly hot chocolate drinks and place them in their carseats, and make sure to have Christmas music playing in the van.
When they go to climb into bed, they will find the ticket hidden under their covers, I’m hoping for lots of giggles and screams to see if everyone has a ticket!
Upon entrance to The Minivan Express, we will hole punch the ticket (you know for effect and all.) Next, we’ll travel around the city looking at all the beautiful lights. We may even stop somewhere for a fun snack on the way home. What a fun Christmas tradition to start, I can’t wait!
Since this idea was taken from The Polar Express, I thought I’d add a link for more teaching activities: The Polar Express.
Also, a reader said that Barnes & Noble is doing The Polar Express story time this friday night December 4th at 7pm at most locations, visit yours to see times, but you could put the tickets in their beds early and plan on going there and then to lights too! Thanks for sharing your ideas!
Thanks for making these great ticket templates — I'll be printing a set for us!! : )
Oh my goodness, what a great idea!You are amazing, thank you for the tickets and everything else you do!
Great idea! How do you all find out where the good lights are????Jenny
I just did a google search for 'christmas light displays in city/state' Turns out there aren't many listed on there, but there are lots around, so we'll probably end up searching around afterwards randomly LOL!
I just discovered your blog and wanted to say THANK YOU for your amazing ideas!!! THANK YOU for such INSPIRATION!!! How do you do it??!?!? I just download your Letter A worksheets and am so excited. I have a 3.5 and a 2 yr old. I really hope I am not too late in teaching them!! God Bless and may He continue to inspire and reveal many more ideas.Monica GodoyNY
What a FABULOUS idea!
Just wanted you to know that I've been "lurking" a while…I follow you on my google reader and I linked to your Minivan express idea! Hope that's okay! http://planetoftheapels.blogspot.com/2009/12/when-advent-isnt-quite-workingand-more.html
Kirby: Of course that's okay, glad you guys had fun, and I love your "Tahoe Express" tickets!
This is the first year we'll have a mini van… despite my whining about turning into a soccer mom…lol! We've got to go for a Christmas light ride this year!
This is the COOLEST idea I’ve seen in a very long time! I absolutely LOVE it!!! And I’m kind of bummed I have to wait until December!!! My kids will flip out and I can’t wait to see the excitement on their faces!!!