Last week, my family and I stopped by a gourmet store to pick up some organic produce. Our CSA doesn’t have fruit, so for this year at least, we have been purchasing it out. At the front entrance, there was already a display of advent calendar. The cardboard scene that have little doors to open. One door is opened each day in December, leading up to Christmas. behind each door is a gourmet chocolate to eat.
I enjoyed a less gourmet version of this type of advent calendar as a kid, and would like my kids to have that same type of experience. However, I haven’t come across anything affordable so far, especially for three children who each want their own. I’d rather stay away from the cheap candy for them, too.
Instead, I am thinking about advent calendars that I can make her at home. This way, the kids can enjoy the fun of an advent calendar without the expense or the chemicals.
The Advent Book Club
I challenged my kids to go around the house collecting any books that they consider to be Christmas or holiday books. We selected 24 of these and placed them in a basket. Before December 1st hits, I’ll wrap each book in some colorful gift wrap (purchased for pennies last year during after Christmas sales). The kids can then select a package each night. We’ll open it and read the book that was selected. Not only is this better than candy, but it will be a great way to have some quiet family time during the holidays.
Felt Ornament Advent Calendar
Making 24 felt ornaments isn’t too difficult, especially if you cut out the shapes using Christmas cookie cutters. Add some decoration, such as glitter, plastic gems and rick rack. Punch out or cut a hole in each one and thread a ribbon through it to make ornaments. You can either have the family choose one blindly out of a box, or place them all behind an advent calendar that you make out of two sandwiched pieces of felt. Cut doors out of the top layer and number them with a felt pen.
Christmas Shopping at Five Below
Christmas Movie Marathon the Frugal Way