a meaningful {but late} advent calendar

I know it’s Dec. 3rd already but I thought I’d share our homemade advent calendar with you. Better late than never, right. This is a little different than what we’ve done before and I’m really loving this version. This is a simple do-it-yourself project and it has served several purposes:

• It’s a great way to get the family ready for Christmas {and helps my 9 year old to know how many days until Santa comes}
• Each day has a small activity to go along with it. So it has forced us to take a moment and enjoy this crazy time of year and to also remember those who are less fortunate.
• Bonus – it’s a super cheap holiday decoration!

Each day has a card or tag that’s numbered with a simple activity on the back. The cards are all hung on a no-frills garland that I hung in our family room. When the day comes, we remove 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, whatever you wish. I know it might be a little late to take on this project but if you’re feeling it, just grab 25 cards or gift tags – whatever you got – and write numbers on one side and a fun or helpful activity on the back. 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 and have fun with the activities.

So far it’s been really 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 “do a good deed for someone today”. Whether they’re fun or serious, they’re all intended to make us all slow down and enjoy the season and to think of those who need it this time of year.

And here are the materials I used {all from Target} if you want to try my version:

• red bead garland {Target}
• multi colored yarn {I had}
• hole-punched gift tags- I made my own but can find at Target or any gift store
• ornament hooks – I bought a slightly fancier version of the green wire ones at Target
• mini fake tree {from Target a few years ago}
• plaid scarf as tree skirt {I had}

 

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 only one month. 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!!