The origin of Advent Calendar and DIY ideas

With just 2 week to go before December, the Christmas spirit is already in the air. Seeing how Orchard Road is already decked out in Christmas lightings and decorations, I also making plans to set up the Christmas tree and hang up an Advent Calendar as we count down to Christmas .

One of the things that I’ve been big on this year is to create family traditions so that birthdays and festive celebrations like Christmas are extra meaningful times for us to count our blessings. And for us, Christmas is significant for us as we remember the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who was born as a babe to bring hope and salvation to the nation.

More than just having an advent calendar filled with trinkets and candies, what I really wanted was to use this as an opportunity to teach Sophie the true meaning of Christmas.


What is Advent?
“Advent” in Latin means arrival and is celebrated in the weeks leading up to the day of the arrival of Jesus Christ. But the anticipation is not just reflecting upon the birth of Christ but also to look forward to His promised return.

Teaching the meaning of Christmas with an Advent Calendar

The count down typically starts 24 or 25 days before Christmas on the first day of December with a little door or pocket that reveals a small treasure that is hidden. 

And for our version, I’m drawing inspiration from Cutesy Crafts, where she has very generously provided templates and even Bible verses for a Nativity Advent calendar made of felt. (Looks like I’m going to get busy this weekend)

Children can learn about the birth of Christ from the scriptures with daily verses and it’s also a great time for the mums and dads to talk to your children about the meaning of Christmas.

DIY Advent Calendar Ideas

Here are also 10 DIY Advent Calendar ideas that you can easily make them at home with free tutorials and pictured instructions in the links.

Little Elves Advent Calendar

Santa’s little elves are getting busy for Christmas. Perfect for hiding little treats under these fellas

Baby Sock Advent Calendar

Have a little babe who has outgrown their baby socks? This one will surely tug at everyone’s hearts string.

Little House Advent Calendar

Home is where the heart is. And this one gets my vote as it uses paper, clothes pegs, string and washi tape

Clothes Peg Advent Calendar

This one is even simpler to put together as it uses a picture frame, clothes peg and washi tape (yes again!)

Paper cup Advent Calendar

This one’s made of mini buckets but I bet patterned paper cups work great as well

Paper Bags Advent Calendar

A simple calendar that even the kids can help with

Advent Calendar in a Jar

A super cute idea especially if you haven’t got much space as this can fit nicely on your table

Muffin Pan Advent Calendar

Look for one with a 24 mini-muffin pan and it makes a perfect base for a treat-filled Advent calendar

Christmas Tree Advent Calendar

Super easy Christmas tree cones

Advent Calendar Tree

Doubles up as a beautiful Christmas centrepiece

 

Which is your favourite version of Advent Calendar and what are you planning to do for your daily Advent calendar? I’ll share mine again when it’s up 🙂 I can’t wait for Christmas!

 

Here are other Christmas craft ideas too

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Comments: 9

  1. Debra November 22, 2013 at 2:04 pm Reply

    Ooh such cute ideas! I MUST get my act together and make an advent calendar for my kids!

    • Susan November 22, 2013 at 2:10 pm Reply

      Go with the easy ones for a start. I’m only starting this tradition this year now that Sophie is 4 years.

  2. Angie @ Simply Mommie November 22, 2013 at 3:26 pm Reply

    Ooh, such lovely ideas from the web and I’ve actually been wanting to do some of these too! And I particularly like those you featured here coz I’m a washi addict too!

    • Susan November 23, 2013 at 9:25 am Reply

      There are so many versions that you can find online especially on Pinterest. I’m liking your baubles version too 🙂

  3. Christy @ kidsrsimple.com November 23, 2013 at 8:42 am Reply

    Lovely advent calendars! I like the muffin pan! So simple and fun!

    • Susan November 23, 2013 at 9:28 am Reply

      Yes, there are so many ideas and it’s so hard to decide on one isn’t it 🙂

  4. Lisa November 24, 2013 at 4:19 pm Reply

    Hi from New Zealand! Thanks for featuring our paper bag advent calendar – it’s super easy to make! We had so much fun, we made another – this time with small boxes in the shape of a Xmas tree. You can see it here:

    http://everywhereyougo.co.nz/2013/11/make-your-own-christmas-advent-calendar-ii/

    Lisa

    • Susan November 24, 2013 at 11:55 pm Reply

      Thanks for sharing these ideas on your site. The boxes version is really fun too! Thanks for sharing them.

  5. […] Inspired by friends (here, here, here and here), I decided to try making my own advent calendar for the girls to tread slowly, purposefully and […]

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