This past Sunday, November 27th, was the first day of Advent, celebrated by those of the Catholic faith. The first day of Advent is the first day of a new Liturgical (or church) calendar and begins the four-week period of preparation in anticipation of the birth of Jesus at Christmas. The Advent Season is all about reflecting on how we can prepare our hearts and homes for Christ's birth.
A tradition during Advent is to have an Advent calendar to count the days until Christmas. Often, these calendars are sold in stores offering chocolate treats or small gifts and trinkets for those who celebrate.
We thought it would be fun to create our own Advent calendar, using household materials, a little creativity, and some treats!
Materials
A cardboard box or flat cardboard the size of a large shoebox
Paper towels, or other cardboard rolls
A hot glue gun or craft glue
Markers or paint
Craft paper or printer paper; a variety of colours
Scissors & pencil
24 individually wrapped treats, small toys, or trinkets
*Optional: string/rope, garland, pine tree branches, etc.
Instructions
Cut the length of the paper towel rolls into 24 equally sized pieces.
Using the craft paper, trace one end of a cardboard roll, making it just larger than the roll itself. Trace and cut a total of 24. These will be the "doors" to open each advent date and will sit on top of each roll. Set aside.
Using the flat cardboard or box as the base, glue (at the rim) each cardboard roll onto the base. Each roll should be next to one another in a logical arrangement (for example, 6 rows of 4 rolls, etc.). Let dry.
Meanwhile, on each of the 24 paper discs that have been cut out, write or paint numbers 1 - 24 on each.
Now for the fun part! Place a treat or small gift in each of the rolls.
Cover each roll with a numbered disc and either glue or tape gently. Do not secure fully, as each will have to be removed to reveal the gift inside each day.
Place the Advent calendar on a table or Christmas display area.
**Optional - Using any remaining cardboard, string/rope, garland, or branches, secure it to the top of the Advent calendar if you wish to hang it on a wall.
Each day leading to Christmas, have your loved one reveal a small treat or gift from the Advent calendar and count down to the special day!
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