Using an Advent calendar began as a pre-Christmas family tradition five years ago when my oldest son started asking the question every mom hears weeks before the holidays: How long until Christmas?
Using this calendar keeps me from losing my patience when I have to hear the same question almost every day. It also helps me stay organized because it reminds me that the days fly by! What I love most, however, is seeing my children's excited faces as they count down the days and open each surprise.
My advent calendar is almost the same every year, although I might be inspired to make a different one next year.
How does it work? It's simple: My kids take turns cutting out the number for the day they're assigned, handing me the number, and I give them a surprise.
We always have a conversation about the meaning of the Advent Calendar. I explain that it's not just about receiving toys; each surprise is different and can be anything from a wish or a prayer to a small toy, a sweet treat, or even a child's favorite dessert.
Here are some ideas:
A Christmas chocolate, choosing dinner for the next day, a set of $1 cards, a craft, a candle to say a special prayer, a ticket to play video games for 30 or 40 minutes, going to bed later than usual, $1 dollar, $50 cents, more candy, etc., etc. The idea is to create memories, after all that is the magic of Christmas.
1.- Cut strips 5 inches thick, if there are several, glue them one below the other until forming a long strip of approximately 46 or 47 inches.
2.- Cut out paper or cardboard of a different color, in my case we used white, to write or print the days from 1 to 24, place stickers and then stick these numbers in sequence from bottom to top.
3.- Draw and cut the shape of the stable on a different colored cardboard.
4.- Glue the stable onto a red, green or blue piece of cardboard.
5.- Place the stickers of the Birth of Baby Jesus or a different theme if desired.
And it's ready to hang on the wall!
Friend, what a wonderful tradition you're teaching the children! It's also a great way to avoid asking the same question so many times: When is Christmas?
I love Advent calendars. I haven't made one with my kids yet because they're so young, but I'm definitely going to in the future. Thanks for sharing yours with us. 🙂
You're welcome mamicool, I hope you can do it, it's a nice tradition 🙂
How wonderful it is that you share your experiences with your children, especially regarding this Advent theme. Very beautiful, Sisy. Congratulations. This way, you make the wait a great lesson. God bless your entire family.
Thanks, Doris, that's right...there's nothing more beautiful than passing our stories from generation to generation. Hugs.