The word advent is derived from the Latin word for “coming”. Ah, yes, the children know Christmas is coming, that’s for sure!
“When is it Christmas? When is it Christmas? When is it Christmas?” {give me patience}
An advent calendar celebrates the coming of Christmas in a fun way. It also gives children a tangible way to “see” how long it is until Christmas. I never thought of making a advent calendar but I was inspired by Stuff with Thing to do so. And I’m thrilled with the outcome! The wonderful thing about making your own is you can put in whatever you like! Here is how I put mine together:
Materials:
Ribbon
Be A Fun Mum Advent Calendar template (or make your own)
Small yellow envelope (or use larger ones)
Paper clips
Card-stock
Treats
Assemble:
1. Cut each number out.
2. Place number on a piece of card-stock, cut to size (or use material like I did).
3. Glue to envelope.
4. Cut each day’s reading/activity.
5. Insert a treat and respective reading/activity for the day into each envelope.
6. Hang envelope on a ribbon and secure with a paper clip.
I’ve designed this Advent Calendar to follow the Christmas story of Mary, Joseph and Jesus. Each day there is a reading and a quick, easy activity to do which I hope will spark fun family time.
I long for good old-fashioned family time where the little things make a big difference. An antic here, a laugh there; sharing and discussion a plenty. To achieve this, I’ve designed my Advent Calendar with simplicity and sharing in mind:
* Readings come directly from the Bible and take a few minutes.
* There is a question for the children to answer after each reading.
* Each activity will take 2 – 10 minutes.
* The activities can be done with little or no preparation.
* Some activities involve research reading (I know my husband loves this).
* Some activities are creative.
* Some activities are drama related.
I’m excited!
There are many links to activities and information around the web which can be accessed through the pdf file. Also, if you follow me on facebook, I will be posting daily updates with the day’s activity link (if there is one). Wouldn’t it be great if a group of us did this together!
Click the picture below to view and print the Christmas Advent Calendar pdf file.
Bring on December 1. I’m ready.
Do you have an advent calendar?
To see pictures of the entire range of Christmas Crafts on this blog, click here: Christmas Craft.
Loving these Advent Calendars too
Felt Advent Calendar from Little Learning for Two: Simple and Stunning
Nanny Pickle’s Amazing Advent Calendar from Picklebums: Absolutely Amazing
Cross stitch Advent Calendar from Stuff with Thing: Fun Treat Ideas
Fridge Magnet Advent Calendar from Baby De Roach: Super easy and effective
Box Advent Calendar from Inspiration Surrounds: Cute and Clever
Be A Fun Mum Links
Did You Know About These Christmas Gifts?
More Christmas Craft Posts
Christmas Candy Cane Reindeer Craft
Christmas Wreath Tree Decoration
Christmas Plastic Cup Reindeer
Colourful Christmas Craft Ideas
Christmas Bells — Jingle All The Way
Christmas Gift Ideas for Friends and Teachers
Handmade Christmas Tree Decorations
External Links
Christmas and Priceless Memories
Christmas Gifts and the Santa Claus Club
beafunmum
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{ 18 comments… read them below or add one }
As always Kelly luv your ideas…luv the colours of your Advent Calendar and luv how u do activities every day leading up till Christmas…u have won me over looks so much fun!
Oh good Trish. Teesh will love it!
Love this idea, Kel. You always seem to add flair while keeping it simple! I read about a booklet of creative christmas ideas on Creativity Abound this morning that I think you’ll like too:http://etadventures.blogspot.com/2010/11/christmas-countdown-activities.html
I LOVE the link you gave me. I have visited her blog before (a while ago) and it was so nice to visit again. Absolutely fantastic ideas.
Love it Kelly. I’ve just finished putting ours together. Not as pretty as yours, but some of our readings and activities are exactly the same! I’m planning on posting on each activitiy as we do it (we are only doing 15 days)
HA! Great minds think alike lol
I’m excited!!
I know! So am I! Thanks for being excited with me. x
I’ve made a mGnetic one for our fridge using spice jars. Pop over and have a look.
Xxx
I did! And love it! Added a link to my post. xx
kelly this is an awesome idea:-) really love it and will be making this advent calender with Chloe better go and get all the things we need before tomorrow as we have no paper in the house lol..
HA! Take a pic and show me! I’d love to see it!
Oh My Goodness! Your Advent calendar is fantastic! What an awesome idea!
Good job, Kelly (as my biggest boy would tell you!)!!!
LOL!!!!! You know my son often says to me “Good boy Mum. Good boy.”
Glad you like it.
I really love the envelopes idea and the yellow looks fantastic! So fresh and bright but still Christmas-y. Thankyou so much for linking up with us too
You’re welcome! I loved your calendar. The envelopes look really cheery in the dining room and bring a little bit of happiness into my day
Thank you for the link. I love your idea of doing an activity each day. I think on the days we are at home I will be printing these activities out to do with my girls. They wont cope so well with extra activities after school but it would be fun to do on our quiet days
YAY! Hope you have fun Marita… and thanks for the inspiration.
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