In case you were wondering....Yes, I do love everything Christmas! Advent calendars are no exception. Since I physically can't/don't ever sleep past 5 AM, this seemed like a good year to record thoughts about the season and blog hop for ideas. Hopefully, I'll be sleeping peacefully in subsequent years.
At the beginning of the month, I saw advent calendars and ideas popping up on blogs everywhere. I wanted to make/buy almost every single one I saw.
Left is my family advent and on the right is Ben's. They have a similar layout and I'd love to make one a year when I learn to sew and have lots of time! This one reminds me a little of the one my family had growing up so maybe the tutorial will help. Both Ben and I have such fond memories of ours. We usually had the chocolate calendars too. I always thought popping those little doors open to see which chocolate awaited me was magical.
This mini-tree advent is the first one I determined to make but when I realized all the stuff I'd have to find/buy for it, I scratched it off the list for this year. The blogger has another post with more neat ideas.
These bags are adorable. It would be fun to put a little treat and/or scripture in each one. Because let's face it, the chocolate, in the grocery store ones, I loved as a kid really isn't that tasty.
These miniatures stockings are the cutest thing ever. When I was moving to the tropics and getting rid of sweaters galore, my cousin suggested that I keep them to use for sewing projects. So these are on Jeanne's my list to make next year. Since I kept sweaters in storage, per her suggestion, she is totally obligated to do help me with them. Plus she has way more skills in that department than I do.
Just when I thought I'd seen every advent idea out there, my friend, Sarah, sent me a link to printable calendars. So adorable! I bought the PDF for these vintage matchboxes. I cut them out but have yet to assemble them. I'm already set with a host of ideas for next year and hope I can resist all the new ideas that will inevitably be out there to tempt me.
In the end, the decision fatigue got to me. We opted for simply moving the magnet every day and paper chains. Plus, I'm sure we've eaten at least one "advent" treat everyday.
Ok...I'm totally obsessed with advent calendars now. I want the mini stockings, the pottery barn inspired one AND the matchbooks. Instead of collecting nativities I'll have an advent room. :) I can see why you had trouble, they are all so cute!!
ReplyDeleteI've always loved advent calendars. My grandma had one that she made and all the cousins would get to open the little envelopes and put the "ornaments" on the tree. I have such fond memories of that advent calendar. My sister has it now...after reading your post I think I'll try to replicate it for next year.
ReplyDeleteWe only do chocolate, but I love seeing the variety and creativity in Advents...wow! Also, it occurred to me, you're doing ALL things Christmassy as a pregnant woman....WOW WOW WOW! Last year, Xmas I survived, this year, I didn't miss one party - Hurray!
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