Another Advent Calendar

I made one of these last year for my kids. A good friend of mine was visiting from Portland last Christmas and saw how cool it was and how much fun we were having with it. Fast forward to summer 2008 and during one of our regular chats she says, "I don't want to sound presumptuous, but for my Christmas present... if you're going to get me a present this year... feel free to not get me one if that was your plan... but if you are going to get me one could you make my family one of those Advent calendars you made for your kids. Feel free to say no." I chuckled and said, "Of course I'm getting you a present this year and yes I'll make you an Advent Calendar." She has a 4 year old daughter and they'll have many years of enjoyment from the calendar. Above is a picture of the one I made for her. Each number is a tin velcroed on to the board. One can fill it with whatever will fit. As each day passes pull off the tin and underneath are the cutest Christmas stamps.

Directions for how to make one of these calendars can be found at Split Coast Stampers. If you ever have a question on how to make one or find a material. Feel free to email me.

When I made mine I wasn't sure how it would go over. My kids are teenagers now. So, I decided to do something a little different. I did put a piece of chocolate into each tin, but I also figured out 12 Christmas time activities that we like to do each year. Normally, the month goes by and few things don't get done. This time I asked the kids what they liked to do and added what I like to do with them and made the "The 12 dates of Christmas." I put the 12 dates on slips of paper and put them in the tins through out the month. On my family calendar I am able to schedule all these activities so we don't miss them. I use a yellow highlighter to highlight just the number on the family calendar, so as not to spill the beans. This way my DH knows that something is planned for that day and he can plan accordingly. Kids haven't figured out that code yet. Some of the things we like to do and not necessarily in this order are...


1. Try out a new cookie recipe to eat and share with friends
2. Make fudge.
3. Family movie night with a favorite old Christmas movie and popcorn.
4. Go to Dairy Queen and have a Christmas flavored Blizzard
5. Drive around with Hot Cocoa and see the pretty lights.
6. Make Gingerbread houses.
7. Go to the theater and catch a new Christmas movie.
8. Family board game night.
9. Wrap presents and do any last minute shopping.
10. Get out the Christmas decorations and make the house festive.
11. Get out the Christmas dishes and have a delicious meal on them.
12. Go to Starbucks and enjoy a festive drink.

My teenagers are really into this fun Advent calendar and we're enjoying great family fun.