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Christmas Advent Calendar

November 27, 2015 By Linda 9 Comments

Christmas Calendar: Countdown Calendar DIY for Christmas

 

I’m calling this a Christmas advent calendar. Though, technically it’s not.

 

Because advent calendars typically have some kind of call to action. Or some kind of treat. I think. But this calendar has neither.

 

I should probably just call it a Christmas countdown calendar.

 

Or, more accurately, the assuage my guilt Christmas countdown calendar.

 

You see, I’ve been carrying a huge burden these past few Christmases.  A burden — and the subsequent guilt — that directly affects a fond Christmas memory my kids hold near and dear. A tradition I established just for them …

 

… and a traditional I also took away.

 

I know, I know. Bad mommy.

 

Especially since I took it away because it no longer fit my Christmas decor. It looked cheap. And cheesy.

 

I know, I know. Selfish mommy.

 

It started when the kids were toddlers and a fabric Christmas calendar I ordered from a neighbor selling wrapping paper. It had a scene with a Santa on a sled with his sack in the back. Only this sack opened and inside were various Velcro pieces that could be attached to each day on the calendar. Presents and wreaths and stockings and a few things we never really quite figured out what the were supposed to be.

 

And, like clockwork, on November 30th I would dig out the cheesy, cheap fabric calendar and hang it on the kitchen door.

 

And that’s when the negotiations would begin. Who would add the first one. And what would it be. Because they wanted the Velcro items to be alternated since we had multiple of wreaths and presents and stockings and other odd things we never quite figured out what they were supposed to be.

 

The Christmas countdown calendar became a much anticipated post Thanksgiving tradition. Even long after the kids knew the truth about Santa.

 

But a few years back, I decided it looked cheap and cheesy. So it stay tucked away in a bin in the basement.

 

The kids were not pleased.

 

And I’ve been feeling guilty ever since. Until now …

Christmas Craft Ideas: Christmas Day Countdown Calendar

I decided to make my very own Christmas countdown calendar that matches our new red and white themed Christmas decor.

Materials*

White Shipping Tags (I ordered mine from Etsy, but this link offers some options on Amazon)

Scrapbook Vinyl Adhesive Numbers (I found mine may years ago at craft store; this links to similar ones)

Red & White Baker’s Twine

Assorted Ornaments & Embellishments Found at Craft Store

Red & White Grosgrain Ribbon

Mini Clothespins

 

*affiliate links included

 

I started with blank, white shipping tags ordered from Etsy. I added numbers found in the scrapbook section of the craft store.

Christmas Craft Ideas: Advent Calendar DIY

Then I gathered festive supplies to be the Christmas countdown pieces for each day of the month, starting with red and white bakers twine. Some red star wire was turned into little wreaths. Some red and white ball stems were cut into smaller pieces and tied together as sprigs with baker’s twine. Mini cupcake holders look like peppermint mints (I used an embroidery needle with baker’s twine to add string to hang them). And some simple ball and candy cane ornaments finished it all out. In total, I created 5 of each for the calendar …

Christmas Craft Idea: Red and White Advent Calendar

All that was left was red and white ribbon and mini clothespins to bring it all together.

Christmas Craft Ideas: Advent Calendar DIY Idea

I used thumbtacks to hang five red and white ribbon strips across the door …

Christmas Craft Ideas: DIY Advent Calendar

 

Christmas Craft Ideas: Advent Calendar How To Make Your Own

Now let’s hope the kids can forgive me for all those selfish years without their cherished Christmas countdown tradition …

๐Ÿ™‚

Christmas Craft Ideas: Advent Calendar Make Your Own

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Filed Under: DIY & Crafts, Holiday & Seasonal


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Comments

  1. Jenna says

    November 27, 2015 at 6:30 am

    It’s adorable Linda, and pssst, just to make you feel better, I did the very same thing ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  2. Kris @ Junk Chic Cottage says

    November 27, 2015 at 8:48 am

    Sweet Sweet Sweet!!! Love this.
    Kris

    Reply
  3. laura@duke manor farm says

    November 29, 2015 at 5:07 am

    love this. I have always wanted to do an advent calendar, not sure why I haven’t. maybe this is the year, if I can get something made in the next day or two.

    Reply
  4. Teresa says

    December 1, 2015 at 4:14 am

    I love Advent Calendars, and yours is just beautiful!
    If you have time, I would love for you to share this post over at the Holidays Celebration link party that is live right now! It’s such a neat idea, I’m sure our readers would love it too! (http://keepingitrreal.blogspot.com.es/2015/11/holidays-celebration-link-party-3-is.html)

    Reply
  5. Cissy says

    November 7, 2016 at 11:35 am

    Hi Love your Advent Calendar!! Are your tags about 2 x 5 inches? I clicked the link but it takes me to bulk amount…lol. Don’t need a zillion! I will make on my Cricut! Also what is the measurement of your chalkboard on your door!!! Thank you

    Reply
    • Linda says

      November 9, 2016 at 12:56 pm

      Hi there! So, the tags are 4 1/4″ x 2 1/8″ and here’s a link where I purchased them on Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/transaction/1078392754

      And the chalkboard measures 20″ x 36″

      Thanks! ๐Ÿ™‚ Linda

      Reply
  6. Robin says

    November 26, 2016 at 12:34 am

    I’m just wondering on your Advent Calendar, do you have the tags with the numbers on in something and than the kids hang one up???? I love it, but just wondering how you use it lol

    Reply
    • Linda says

      November 28, 2016 at 7:43 am

      I actually do have all the tags in a box that sits on the radiator cover that is right next to the chalkboard where they hang them up.

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Christmas in the Kitchen says:
    September 28, 2016 at 7:05 pm

    […] like Christmas exploded in here, starting with my Christmas advent calendar (tutorial here) […]

    Reply

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