I have always had a fascination with advent calendars. My mom used to get the ones from Trader Joe’s where you get a piece of chocolate for each day as we counted down to Christmas. I just loved the process and the concept. I’m really big on making lists just so I can cross things off when I finish them. It’s so satisfying. So it’s no wonder advent calendars are right up my alley.
When I grew up and had kids of my own, I wanted to take the advent calendar to another level. I scored a Disney one on a clearance sale years ago and it has quickly become my very favorite part of Christmas. Each day of the calendar is a little box, just big enough for a snack-size candy bar, and I take pride in filling each box with something special and meaningful for all 25 days. We can get so bogged down with the hustle and bustle of the holidays – the traffic, the shopping, the parties, the wrapping, the stocking stuffing, the cooking. It’s overwhelming. We’re so busy preparing for the big day that we lose the meaning of the day itself and the beauty in the days leading up to it. Our advent calendar has become my way of connecting with my children, with the spirit of the season, and bringing our family together to remember what really matters.
Every morning, they wake up and run to the mantle to grab the calendar and slide open the box of the day. Sometimes it’s just a piece of candy, but most of the time, it’s a folded up Post-It with an activity inside. It may be something simple like “make hot cocoa with marshmallows” or “watch a Christmas movie.” Other times, it’s the bigger events, like our annual Sea World Christmas Celebration trip or going out to buy our Christmas tree. As the littlest one has gotten bigger, I’ve added in activities with a heavier meaning, like volunteering somewhere or taking a trip to the store to purchase goods for donations. Funnily enough, it’s the candy the kids are disappointed to see, not the Post-Its.
Because the Post-Its have purpose and meaning. They are something we will do together. They are memories in the making. We start the day with the calendar so the kids have something to look forward to and to give us parents the motivation needed to do whatever we said we would – or at least try. We once attempted a gingerbread house and it came out horrific, but there was so much giggling and so much warmth in the house that it didn’t even matter. We may have to stay up a little later to finish off the laundry because we sat and watched Elf in our pajamas with the kids instead of doing our grown-up “chores,” but so be it. The kids won’t remember that their clothes weren’t folded within an hour of drying. They’re going to remember the snuggles on the couch and mom’s Elf pajama onesie that they find funnier than the movie.
I spend a good week prepping the calendar before December 1st hits and it fills my heart with joy and excitement at all the things my family will do in the upcoming month. It’s not always easy to find Post-It ideas, but that’s part of what makes it so special. It forces you to find what’s important and to put aside the daily grind to just be with your kids. Sometimes getting that Post-It task done just isn’t possible, and, I’ll admit, I have failed to come through more times than I’d like, but the kids do not let you forget. That Post-It saying mommy would make snowman sugar cookies will be stuck to the fridge as a daily reminder of the promise I made to them, and even if it’s a day or two late, I will fulfill it.
This holiday season, I hope you are able to find a moment to enjoy the moment. Breathe it in and let it fill you, not drain you. Make the cookies from scratch. Let the kids have the Grinch pancakes at IHOP for dinner. Let the dishes go unwashed to lay around watching Home Alone with the family. It isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. The advent calendar is a genuine project that takes planning and organization and just a lot of effort, but of all the things we put our energy into for Christmas, it’s the one that brings me endless joy in return.
From my family to yours, happy holidays!
Love it. I do remember the candy filled Advent calendars, but I want to try the post it idea with activities.
Thanks! It really is fun. Sometimes I have a hard time coming up with stuff that is Christmas-related, but they just like that it’s an activity together 🙂
This is indeed a wonderful time of year. When my kids were younger the advent calendar was always a highlight of the season. Now they are a little older so we still use an advent calendar and we read stories together. Your family is adorable.
Aww, thank you! I love the idea of reading stories together. I’m so happy you kept up the tradition! It’s my hope to do that as well 🙂
I love the Xmas PJ suit, looks super cute and great for Xmas present. My favorite color too.
Thank you!
The infinite sweetness of the love that unites them is palpable! This is the magic of Christmas!
So beautifully said! I agree completely!
My daughter loves Mickey Mouse so much! I hope you have a great holiday!
My kids love Mickey too! I hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday as well 🙂
Personalised advent calendars are so much more special compared to predictable chocolate ones, so glad you are creating these moments with them
I agree, thank you 🙂 It’s been so much fun every year.
Every year my kids ask if we can buy an advent calendar and I usually forget. I would love to make one!
I got mine on clearance after Christmas (they can be pricey) and it’s the first thing I unpack from the Christmas decor boxes. I’m not crafty enough to make one LOL but that sounds amazing!
I hadn’t heard of an Advent Calendar until recently. It sounds like a lot of fun for children. Your kids look like they really love it!
It’s really great! The anticipation for Christmas day can be so tough, so this gives them something to look forward to each day leading up to it 🙂
This is such a fun advent calendar. What a great way to make holiday memories and to have something to look forward to.
Thank you! Each year has something new and some old favorites too so they really love it.
I need to find out if Disney still makes these! I am a Christmas decorating nut and would love to add this to my collection – my kids will love!
I haven’t seen them or anything like them – and I’ve been looking! This one is a cardboard material and despite how hard I try to take care of it, it may not last as long as I’d like, but I haven’t found another one in years. I’m considering getting a generic one and just putting Disney characters on it in some way LOL
This sounds like such an enthusiastic holiday experience. Like I love that a huge chunk of the reason you love it is because of how much they enjoy it! That really warms my heart! Happy Holidays!
It definitely takes work and planning ha ha ha but so worth it! Their joy lights up the holiday more than anything else for me 🙂 I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas!
Advent calendars have come so far since I was a kid! We still get my kids the traditional chocolate ones, but I’ve seen crazy ones that include legos, etc!
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