Yesterday was the First Sunday of Advent, and the countdown to Christmas has really started. To help us we have three Advent Calendars in our house.
The first is one I made
(at least 20) years ago when my sons were both small. I saw one in
Country Living magazine, and thought it was lovely. It was beautifully sewn and appliqued. Now I am no needlewoman, so decided the judicious use of glue would work.
I traced a very simple pattern of trees and deer and cut them out using some old fabric I had. The background was a piece of tartan from an even older skirt. I stuck the trees and deer onto the tartan. At the base I added a piece of wood, into which I had screwed 24 round hooks. I attached two curtain rings to the top two corners.
I wrote the numbers 1 - 24 above the hooks.
When it was completed I attached 24 wrapped chocolates.
(I used tree decorations as they already have thread on them!)
The boys loved the Advent Calendar when they were children, and were happy to take it in turns to eat the chocolate.
When their little sister came along they suggested I took the Advent Calendar out again, so she could use it. It's a firm family tradition!
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| The Calendar hanging in the dining room |
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| Christmas trees |
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| Deer |
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| With glittered coats! |
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| Chocolate for the Calendar |
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| Attaching the chocolate |
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| Waiting for the 1st December |
Our second Advent Calendar is new this year. I bought it from
Lakeland. Two Christmas's ago I had noticed one at a friend's house, but was too late to buy one. Last year Lakeland didn't stock it, so when I saw it this year I bought it straight away.
It features a little chest with draws on it, and numbers 1 - 24. In each little draw there is a figure for the crib, and the child(ren) can make up the complete crib by Christmas Eve. Again this is something that can be used from year to year, and although it was expensive I believe that it will delight us for a very long time.
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| Once you get to the 14th the stable turns round |
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| For the second set of numbers |
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| There is a tiny figure in draw number 17 |
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| A little shepherd |
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| Waiting for the 1st of December |
Our third Advent Calendar is this sheet stuck onto the fridge. They were available at our Church this Sunday. On each day there is a little message about Advent, which will help my little girl focus on Christmas being more then an opportunity to receive presents. It will help her to think about the 'real meaning of Christmas.' It has the bonus of continuing to the Feast of the Epiphany, or Twelfth Night.
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| This calendar started on Sunday |
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| My little girl is going to mark each day as we read it |
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| It's not long until Christmas. |
Do you and your family have an Advent Calendar? I'd love to hear about it.
I am linking this post to Floss's:
A Pause for Christmas.
I think the one you made is the best. We always had the ones from the supermarket...boring. And no real message apart from stuff your face!
ReplyDeleteI buy my sister (54) an Advent Calander every year.
ReplyDeleteI already have my first adult Advent calendar ready for two weeks now, but I haven't taken o photo yet. I'm definitely going to post about it! Can't wait for the 1st, too!!!
ReplyDeleteLove your homemade one the best! I'd love to make one for my little boy to use over the years...maybe next year! xxx
ReplyDeleteI love them all - a pity that our Church doesn't have the Advent Calendar that you have on your fridge. We have one large one that will stand up and I've also bought two small chocolate filled calendars - my daughters are always complaining that we have to have religious Advent Calendars! But as you say, it is important that they are reminded about the true meaning of Christmas.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely blog you have. I am looking forward to many visits.
ReplyDeleteChristmas is my favorite holiday!!