It’s officially here – the countdown to Christmas! Last year I made an advent calendar that was a big hit. Although in true holiday fashion, I was a few days late getting it started. So I wanted to share it with you again this year in case you missed it!
What I like most about this advent calendar is that it has real meaning and purpose to it. In addition to counting down the days until Christmas, each day also has a small activity or thought to go along with it. So it has forced us to take a moment and truly enjoy this crazy time of year and to also remember those who are less fortunate. The bonus is that it’s a super cheap holiday decoration!
Here are the materials I used:
- red bead garland {Target}
- multi colored yarn {I had}
- 25 gift tags – I made my own but you can find similar ones at any gift store
- ornament hooks – I bought a slightly fancier version of the green wire ones
- mini fake tree {from Target a few years ago}
- plaid scarf as tree skirt {I had}
Each day has a tag with a number on one side and a holiday activity written on the back. The cards are all hung on a simple, beaded garland in our family room. When the day comes, we remove a card from the garland and do the activity that’s listed on the back. Then we hang the card as a little ornament on a nearby tree {mini fake tree from Target}. You could also set up a vase with yard-cut branches instead of a tree and hang your tags there. I made my own tags for each day but you can buy gift tags at any store and they would work fine. Then, come up with fun and meaningful thoughts or activities to include on the back of the tags. Remember to make the activity something that will help everyone enjoy and appreciate the holiday season a little bit more – and customize them for you and your family. Then use ornament hooks or string and attach them to a garland, a wreath or maybe a holiday swag you have already hung. It doesn’t have to be fancy. Then start counting down the days, removing one tag for each day that passes and doing the activity that you included on the card.
It was so nice to see everyone get involved in the countdown to Christmas. It’s very easy to get wrapped up {pun intended} in the material aspect of the season and forget what it’s all about. I’m probably most guilty of that – and then there’s my teenage sons. And something that just takes a few minutes each day is a good reminder to us all. Some of the activities I included are fun stuff like, “make hot chocolate and watch a Christmas movie” or “drive around town and look at the lights”, and then some are more serious like “say a prayer for someone who needs it”. Or “bring donations to the local food pantry”. Whether they’re fun or serious, they’re all intended to make us all slow down, enjoy the season, appreciate what we have and give to those who aren’t as fortunate.
Besides an obvious trip to Target, this project didn’t require much shopping or spending. I love that. We have enough stuff to buy this time of year and I don’t like spending a lot on decorations that are up for such a short period of time. I think you’ll love having this version of an advent calendar and if you don’t get around to making one, no worries – there’s always next year. But remember to take a few moments everyday to enjoy this holiday season. Now I’m off to finish my shopping!!
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