Advent Calender Round Up

It's almost time to start the Christmas countdown. If you celebrate Christmas, and have kids in the house, these are a must-have! They can range from a paper chain hung on the hall, to a hand stitched wall hanging. As I'm finding out, in the craft world, the possibilities are nearly endless, and limited only in what you are willing to do to make one! This weekend would be a great time to create your own calendar- remember, the 1st of December is next Tuesday already!


Not enough time? You can make a 12 Days of Christmas calendar by counting down from the 13th to the 24th instead, and numbering the days 1-12, with 12 being the 13th, and 1 being the 24th.


Here are some cool advent calendar's I have seen around the web recently. They are cropping up daily!

Easy Pocket Advent Calendar- this one is easy enough for anyone to make. All you need is a marker, some tape, and Christmas paper- you could use scrapbooking paper, or even wrapping paper! Cut up some old Christmas cards to decorate the front with.

Felt Placemat Pocket Advent Calendar- This one is really cute, and would be fun for young kids to use. You use a placemat for the back of the calendar, then add small pockets, and fun gift tags. Add a felt tree to it, and some velcro or safety pins, and kids can decorate the tree each day!

Cookie Sheet Magnetic Advent Calendar- This is one I've been seeing made all over my blogs lately. It's easy to make, and turns out ever so cute!


Paper Cone Advent Calendar- This one is cute, and can be customized to any color scheme you want! Scrapbooking paper is your only limit, and as we all know, THAT comes in oodles of patterns!

25 Day Countdown Pocket Cards- This is a cute idea, and very portable, too, for any traveling done in December.

Muffin Tin Magnetic Advent Calendar- similar to the Cookie Sheet calendar, this one uses a 24 cup mini-muffin pan as the base, which allows you to tuck something small into the cups for the kids.


Mini Stocking Advent Calendar- yes, tooting my own horn. My calendar this year is 24 little stockings hung from ribbon in my living room. Easy to do for even the craft-challenged, as all you need to do really is add a number to each of 24 stockings. This can be done with glitter glue, or even just pining paper to the front of each one.

Free Online Advent Calendar- this one features 27 days worth of printable games for kids- mazes, bingo, and such. This might be a fun one to download a few days worth for filling your own advent calendar.

Paper Bag Advent Calendar- This is one of those "strapped for time" type one's, using simple paper bags clothes pinned to a string to form a garland. This would be simple & easy for just about anyone to make.

Mini Envelope Advent Calendar- Simple & easy, again, this one uses little mini brown envelopes simply taped to the wall in the shape of a tree. Each envelope contains an action or thought for the day.

Need some ideas on what to put in your calendar?


I found these ideas at this site.

Go Ice Skating
Watch It's a Wonderful Life, make spiced cider.
Exchange gifts
Make Christmas Cookies for friends.
Find Mistletoe, hang it in our house and kiss under it.
Address and Mail Christmas Cards
Go to Borders and Pick out one new Christmas CD.
Go to The Nutcracker
Handel's Messiah Sing Along
Leave out wooden shoes on December 5
Go to the Oakland Temple to see the Nativity
Make Thick Hot Chocolate and Homemade Marshmallows
Host a Christmas Sweater Party
Put up a ribbon sash for Christmas cards
Donate canned goods
Give neighbors a present
Put up a wreath
Make a Gingerbread house
Make a popcorn garland
Make hot chocolate and read The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
Sing (or listen) to favorite Christmas songs
Drive around to see neighborhood lights
Go out and see public light display
Read Christmas story from the Bible and the Book of Mormon
Open a gift (new stocking or pajamas or pillowcase)
Make a family traditional dessert
Eat out at a festive restaurant
Go to a seasonal movie
Tell stories of childhood Christmas around the fire
Have a romantic candlelit dinner by the Christmas tree
Make decorative sugar cookies
Sign up to purchase gifts for a needy child
Host a Christmas dessert party
Write out a Christ-centered goal to start early for the New Year
Have a movie party (classic Christmas clips)
Go to a Christmas Concert
Attend City tree lighting event
Have a full traditional breakfast while listening to Christmas music

I hope you all have a happy & wonderful Thanksgiving tomorrow, and a wonderful weekend! I will be gone to my mother's house on Saturday to bake & wrap presents!