Growing up we had an advent calendar every year. They never had chocolate in them, but I loved the outside drawings and the sweet little pictures inside.
I looked forward to going down and opening the little window for each day in December every year. Why? I have no idea - but I guess that doesn't really matter. I appreciate the simplicity of joy a little more these days.
Over the years I've managed, most the time to remember to purchase a couple for the kids in November since it all starts in December.
Last year, though, I shopped too late and there weren't any nice ones. And then the kids begged me to make some for them. So I winged it, made two calendars, and learned a bunch - and they were pretty successful!
So I think I've started a tradition and over the Thanksgiving Holiday I whipped up a couple in time for December to start this coming Saturday.
While the outsides aren't super compelling as art pieces, I had a ball with the little drawings inside.
I really worked the red and green theme - it was most entertaining...
At some point I'll post a tutorial on how I did these - it's pretty easy - and then you can make your own special advent calendars. Although you could just wing it and do that anyway, right? Happy December!
Love these, Emily! One of my favorite memories at your house when I was little was when we made a homemade advent calendar - it was huge and it was so awesome! We made it in the living room as we sat next to your beautiful Christmas Tree - always the prettiest tree in town, all strung with tinsel and glittering lights. Happy New Year - I love your blog!
Posted by: Leslie Warren | 01/05/2013 at 07:39 AM