2013 Advent Calendar

So this year I finally got around to making an Advent calendar. I had big hopes in the past, but there just weren’t enough hours in the day. I always love being able to start new traditions with the kids, and this one has been a huge success.

I have been waiting since last week for a nice sunny day to get some decent pictures, and today the sun finally broke through the clouds. I had our Advent calendar first set up in our dining room, which was a great display spot, and the kids could see it, but I really wanted them to take part in it. So I later moved it to the kitchen.

If you follow me on Instagram then you’ve already seen the boatload of Christmas decor that has taken shape around here. I can’t wait to share it with all of you!

I always loved the idea of an advent, and since lately my son has taken an interest in our normal calendar and its events, I thought it was the perfect time start a countdown for christmas.

I made the tags out of card stock that I cut down to 3×3 squares, and then used a cut out to round the edges. I stamped each card using a silver metallic acrylic paint. It was hard to choose a color for the numbers, but I wanted something simple, that would go with any christmas color scheme, and wouldn’t distract from the ornaments hanging.

I have it hanging in our kitchen, so you are greeted by it when you come in our house, and the bench provides the perfect spot for little feet to stand and remove an ornament each day as we count down.

For each day I used a variety of my favorite ornaments, like the red bird above, to hand me down vintage ornaments, to my favorite seasonal items like greenery, pinecones, and cinnamon. I made my advent out of pure inspiration, calling it Pottery Barn meets Country Living Magazine! HA! My husband constructed the wood slat base, while I assembled the rest.

I love starting this tradition with the kids, and can’t wait to see as their excitement builds as we countdown to Christmas. Also you guys have got to head over to Jen’s House and see her wonderful, non-traditional Advent Calendar Village. Yes village! It looks perfect! I swear if Jen and I were neighbors we would either by DIY machines, or get nothing done because we would just sitting, sipping something hot, while the kiddos played 🙂 I hope you are having a wonderful time as you prepare for Christmas, I sure am!