My first memory of an advent calendar is a cardboard Father Christmas that had a string pull at the bottom which moved his arms and legs up and down. It would come out every Christmas and my sister and I loved discovering what was behind the doors, even though we’d seen it year after year. But for us, it wasn’t just the fun we had, it was the excitement of the countdown to Christmas that we liked more.
Of course, advent calendars have come a long way since then and now there are so many unique ways to do the countdown, especially with fabric and felt. So if you’re going to make your own, here’s a few ideas to get you started.
1. Fabric Panel
When I think of advent calendars, I think of a panel of fabric with 24 numbered square pockets; each one with enough space to put a little gift or some chocolate, and a bar at the top so you can hang it on the wall. Simple but effective, it can be personalised with names and your favourite colours to match your Christmas theme perfectly.
2. Bags /stockings
I love the idea of these as they make a good Christmas decoration too. You don’t have to use handmade ones, you can use mittens or socks that you already have and iron on the numbers to those instead. You can hang them on a tree with a Christmas decoration inside, so once opened you have a brand new ornament to display.
Alternatively, you can hang them on a string with pegs, make the display in the shape of a tree, or string them along a fireplace or staircase to add a little Christmas Charm.
3. Envelopes
Envelopes are a great idea as you can include a little card inside with a christmas tradition to do everyday, for instance, watch a christmas movies, bake cookies, read a story, wrap presents, build a gingerbread house, listen to christmas songs. They can be displayed in a keepsake box, hidden around the house, strung on some bakers twine, or as apart of a garland.
4.Bunting
Christmas bunting is always fun and it can be designed with a little pocket for the gift/treat that flaps over when it’s been opened. You can always do a reverse countdown so that you know how many days are left.
5. Countdown reusable gift tags
If you are short of space and the idea of a big string of bunting or wall hanging doesn’t appeal then how about some reusable gift tags. You can store them in a nice keepsake box or tin along with your other Christmas decorations and reuse them year after you. You can attach them to little mini gifts that can be opened everyday during the countdown to Christmas.
I hope the above ideas have given you a little bit of inspiration to make your Christmas countdown special. Even if you don’t go for the handmade option, creating your own advent calendar can bring its own joy and memories to the Christmas season, which is such a magical time of year. If you need some background music whilst you craft, you can head over to my Christmas playlist on YouTube to get you in the perfect festive mood!”
