Advent calendars

Eden and David, two of Elliott’s siblings, have given us not one but two Advent calendars this season.  They are both unique and so beautiful, and they really have made this season all the more special each day.  As the chapel services on base do not discuss Advent besides lighting the Advent wreath each Sunday, this is a way to incorporate the anticipation and joy of the season into our everyday lives at home.

David sent us this Advent calendar, which he purchased from JohnsonMade on Etsy.  I hung the calendar with the help of 5 carefully spaced nails on our kitchen wall as well as red ribbon and clothespins.  I love the artwork on each card and the verses and activity suggestions on the back.

Eden knows her brother loves birds, and so her choice of Advent calendar is especially sweet for Elliott.  Every day we help Lena open one of the little windows in the calendar and pull out the tiny paper bird inside.  Then we help her choose a spot on the tree to place it.  Bit by bit, the tree is filling up with a flock of many colored birds.  I wonder what’s hiding in the big window for the 25th?

Do you have an Advent calendar, either new to you or filled with family tradition?

My favorite DIY Advent calendar idea this year is from paper{whites}.  Her calendar has 25 pockets that she filled with tiny ornaments; each day her little daughter takes out an ornament and puts it on her very own miniature tree!

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6 Responses to Advent calendars

  1. Milynn {Love + Whimsy} December 13, 2012 at 5:29 pm #

    I love this and how you displayed it! I have not done advent calendars yet, totally missing out this year. but there are so many cute ideas floating around and I’m pretty sure I’m going to make it happen next year!

  2. Abigail Ibarra December 13, 2012 at 6:44 pm #

    These are both so unique- I love it! I might order that one from Etsy- I’ve been looking for one like that!
    We have an Advent calendar that Jorge’s mom gave us this year, it’s shaped like Santa and has not one but TWO pieces of Lindt chocolate in each little drawer! Good thing because there’s one for me and one for him, no sharing required (you know how well “sharing” and “chocolate” usually works out for someone who is sharing with me!) :)
    One thing I have learned about Advent this year is that it is a time of preparation not only for Christmas but also for Christ’s second coming. Did you know that? I have been doing a daily devotional called “Theotokos” that was given out at youth group at church. It’s great! Jorge and I have also been singing a carol a day and following a book called “Christ in the Carols.” It has been a fun to establish our traditions together since this is our “First Christmas.” Miss you, friend!

  3. Anna December 14, 2012 at 12:53 am #

    I have one that I made last year! It’s full of treats. :)

  4. Beth December 16, 2012 at 5:25 am #

    I don’t have an advent calendar but I love the idea of it. One of these days I’ll have to make one. Yours are really cool!

  5. JoKnows December 16, 2012 at 4:12 pm #

    These are both beautiful, and what lovely gifts to receive!

    I made my own Advent calendar for the first time this year, and I am quite enjoying it. Plus, the kids are enjoying the treats inside! I used twigs and muslin bags. Here it is:

    http://www.womaninreallife.blogspot.ca/2012/12/rustic-advent-calendar-diy.html

  6. Shannon :: The Scribble Pad December 19, 2012 at 3:38 pm #

    What a fun roundup of advent calendars! We have the same one as {paper whites} and we love it!

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