Thursday, November 29, 2007

Advent Calendar

I did it. I started and finished a Christmas project in 2 hours. Thanks to scrapbook afternoon at the Braithwaites. I have been so busy, I was so excited to have an afternoon to do something fun. I had this idea to make an Advent Calendar. I wanted it to be boxes, because I want to put a slip of paper in each box, and everyday when Kyle gets home from school, the kids will take turns opening boxes, and on the slip of paper will be something fun we get to do that day. (Don't worry, I am going to slip in the papers during naptime right before Kyle gets home so I know what I'm in for that day) I remember doing it when I was little, and it was fun. Some things I'm putting on the slips of paper: make a gingerbread house, decorate sugar cookies, drive around and see Christmas Lights, deliver Neighbor Gifts, Paint a wooden ornament, see Santa, write letters to Santa, Christmas Movie Marathon night, etc...(I need lots more ideas if you'd like to post any!)
How I made it: I bought packages of small square paper mache boxes (total cost: $7.00). I also bought 1 star box($.69). I found coordinating Christmas paper that I already had (Making Memories Paper and Crate Paper - SO CUTE!) and used a square punch to punch out all the squares. (You could just use a paper cutter too). I glued them on the top of the box. Then, I got out all my letter/number stickers. I used Making Memories and American Crafts Thickers - love those new things - and numbered the boxes, making the star 25! I put magnets on the back of the boxes(with glue dots - love those too!), and stuck them on my magnet board. I have a hard time putting holes in the wall strictly for a Christmas Decoration, so when I was thinking this up, I decided to do magnets, since I already have a magnet board on the wall. My kids can't wait until Saturday!

8 comments:

Unknown said...

That is such a great idea! It turned out soooo cute!!

Nurse Heidi said...

That's terribly cute!! I've been wanting to do an advent thing for a long time that has treats or activities in it. If I get really ambitious tomorrow I might run out and get the supplies.

Dori said...

I love it!That is such a good idea to put things in there to do...How about for an easy day on Mom-- Christmas Coloring pages off of familyfun.com #2 Read Luke chapter 2 The shortest christams story the kids can make it through and then put out the nativity. Crayola.com has some cute and easy christmas crafts...O one of my favorite..Marshmellow snoman cupcakes off of familyfun.com! Can you tell I've been researching Christmas Activities!!Merry Christmas!

Jen said...

Thanks Dori! Those sound super! I'll have to check out familyfun.com!

Pricilla said...

Soooo cute. You get a good mommy award for that one!

Unknown said...

Jen, that turned out so cute! I love that you used MM stuff!

Unknown said...

Jen, that turned out so cute! I love that you used MM stuff!

Bethany said...

Have a dance party to Christmas music, cut out snowflakes, hands and feet reindeer craft (http://www.amazingmoms.com/htm/christmas-crafts-for-kids-paper-reindeer.htm), make a treat to deliver to someone who might need some cheering up. That is such a great idea Jen. I love having something to look forward to everyday. I may have to try make that too. You're so awesome!