The holiday season is just around the corner, and one delightful tradition that brings a sense of anticipation and joy to children is the Advent calendar. With 22 days left until the big day, it's the perfect time to start preparing a special Advent calendar for your kids. This fun and easy project can be a wonderful way to build excitement and create lasting memories. In this blog, we'll guide you through the process of preparing an Advent calendar for your children and suggest some delightful treats to fill it with.
Getting Started
The first step in creating an Advent calendar for your kids is to choose or make the physical calendar itself. You can find a variety of ready-made Advent calendars at your local stores, or you can get creative and craft one yourself. Homemade calendars allow for a more personal touch, making the experience even more special.
Materials you'll need:
24 small envelopes or boxes
Number stickers or markers
String or ribbon
Clothespins or small clips
Decorative paper or gift wrap
A sturdy backing (cardboard, a wooden board, or even a corkboard)
Glue and scissors
Designing Your Advent Calendar
Once you have your materials ready, it's time to design your Advent calendar. Here's a simple DIY method:
Decorate your envelopes or boxes with festive paper, stickers, or drawings. You can even let your kids help with this part to make it more personal.
Number each envelope or box from 1 to 24. You can use number stickers or simply write the numbers with markers.
Arrange the envelopes or boxes in a visually pleasing way on your chosen backing material. You can get creative with the layout, such as a Christmas tree shape, a garland, or a simple grid.
Attach the envelopes or boxes to the backing using string, ribbon, or clothespins, keeping in mind that they will be opened in order from December 1st to 24nd.
What to Fill Your Advent Calendar With
Now comes the fun part – deciding what treats or surprises to put in each day's envelope or box. You can mix and match items to keep the excitement level high. Here are some ideas:
Chocolate or candy: Small holiday-themed chocolates, candies, or chocolate coins.
Mini ornaments: Add a new ornament to decorate the tree every day.
Notes or jokes: Write sweet notes, jokes, or holiday trivia questions.
Stickers: Holiday-themed stickers or small sheets of stickers for crafts.
Small toys: Mini action figures, squishies, or other small toys your kids enjoy.
Art supplies: Colored pencils, markers, or small craft kits.
Coupons: Create personalized coupons for special activities or treats like a movie night or extra playtime.
Tiny books: Mini Christmas books or a page from a holiday-themed coloring book.
Puzzle pieces: Add a piece of a jigsaw puzzle each day to complete on the 24th.
Outdoor activities: Include ideas for a winter nature walk, building a snowman, or sledding.
Baking ingredients: Split up a simple cookie recipe into daily ingredients to make and decorate cookies.
Christmas-themed trinkets: Mini Christmas decorations like bells, snow globes, or figurines.
Remember to consider your children's ages and preferences when choosing the treats, and always prioritize safety. If you have younger kids, ensure that everything is age appropriate.
Preparing an Advent calendar for your kids can be a memorable and joyous part of the holiday season. As December 1st is just 22 days away, now is the perfect time to start planning and gathering materials. Whether you choose to purchase a ready-made calendar or embark on a DIY project, filling each day with surprises tailored to your children's interests will make the countdown to Christmas even more magical. So, roll up your sleeves, let your creativity shine, and watch your kids' faces light up with excitement as they open a new surprise each day on the road to Christmas!