Counting down the days to Christmas is an exciting tradition especially if there are young children in the family. The lead up to Christmas is such an exciting time for little ones and an advent calendar always makes the December countdown extra-special.
We have bought the ordinary advent calendars sold at the grocery store. They were made of lightweight cardboard, and had a festive Christmas scene on the front, and the kids would pop open a little, perforated door every day to find the small piece of chocolate hiding behind it.
Well, advent calendars have changed, and there are some pretty incredible ones out there today. Pinterest is full of fun, DIY interactive countdown to Christmas "calendar" ideas. I love the Santa Beard Countdown Calendarthat is simple, but fun for the little ones and is a great non-chocolate, non-toy option.
I especially have enjoyed finding the calendars that focus on the giving importance of Christmas rather than the receiving of gifts. There are several ideas on Random Acts of Kindness and service-driven Christmas calendars.
I’ve rounded up a whole bunch of my favorite advent calendars to share with you. Some of these calendars are quite traditional, some are non-traditional, and some are based on the nativity.
1. Faux Chalkboard Countdown Calendar- Non-toy and non-chocolate option. Easy craft to do together. Great for you vinyl lovers, but easy for moms like me who prefer stickers. Love it looks like chalkboard without the chalk!
2. Muffin Tin Advent Calendar- Pro- Can reuse tin and magnetic circles each year. Con- Multiple children means multiple tins or they would have to take turns and share! Also, the capability to print on magnetic sheets. I would buy these from Staples or Office Depot and pay to have them print the numbers on the sheet. May be able to use an in-store print shop coupon to help save $$.
3. Random Acts of Kindness Cards and Servant-Heart Cards- I love this idea! What a great way to teach and/or remind your kinds it is so much better to GIVE than to receive. I love this printable and this printable for the front of the cards and you can customize the back of the cards to fit the personality(ies) of your children, budget, and community! I also like this simple, inexpensive idea of how to display in your home.
4. Even LEGO is in the Advent Calendar business and has options for every personality and interest! Jackson would love the LEGO City and Grace loves the LEGO Friends theme.
5. Unfinished Advent Calendar By ArtMinds®- Michael's craft store has taken the assembly out, but gave you and your kids the creativity to make it your own! This wooden advent calendar by ArtMinds will make a cute addition to your Christmas decor. It is shaped like a house, and has 24 numbered drawers to store little treats and surprises, as you count down the days to Christmas.
Remember, what matters the most. Find something that is manageable, within your family's budget, but more importantly a way for the entire family to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas in a fun way together!
