The Advent Calendar has become a Christmas tradition and it is fun to watch children count away the days until the big man in the red suit comes calling. The excitement is difficult to beat and because it is the holiday season, we love to go all out.
Whether you have your own kids or are just trying to make an extra effort for your nieces and nephews this Christmas, pumping up the traditional Advent calendar is exciting and we have some ideas on how to make and fill your own.
The Ideas
Hang Santa’s Hats Out On The Line
This simple idea will brighten up your house this holiday season and it will make for a very special Advent calendar that you can reuse. Santa hats can be bought in any pound shop and won’t break the bank. Simply hang a piece of rope along your mantelpiece or window. Fill your hats with gifts and treats for each day and mark them with a little piece of paper. Attach them to the line with pegs and by Christmas Eve there should only be one left!
Make It Easy
Many department stores have empty Advent calendars for sale such as this gorgeous felt decoration from M&S. Fill the pockets with little sweets, presents and messages and easily hand on the back of your kitchen door. If you’re worried about little peekers safety pin the top of each pocket shut.
Advent Envelopes
Pretty coloured envelopes can be purchased in any stationary store and they make for a great advent calendar. Fill the envelopes with little messages, presents and sweets and pin them to a corkboard or hang them from strings on the wall.
The Fillers
The great thing about making your own calendar is that you can virtually put anything you like in them. The treats don’t have to be very expensive and they can be tailored for the child you wish to present it to. Here are some ideas to get you started.
Christmas Socks, €1.49, Dealz
Santa Egg Cup, €7.00, M&S
Ballerina Hair Clips, €5.00, Accessorise
Personalised notes from Santa and the elves are fab fillers!
Batteries, €1.49, Dealz
Emily Mous Doll, €7.00, M&S
Photographs of Christmas past are a great calendar filler
Cat Gloves, €12, Accessorise
Pip-squeaks markers, €4.99, Smyths
Satusmas are the perfect Christmas treat