How to display Advent calendars
The Advent calendar is not only the first decoration to appear in most houses, it's also the one that best expresses the anticipation and excitement of the season – as each door is opened, we know that Christmas is on its way at last.
The tradition of the Advent calendar dates back to the 19th century, when it was common practice among devout families to mark the days until Christmas Eve. It wasn't until the mid 1800s that Advent calendars as we know them now began to be produced, but by the turn of the century they had become lavish affairs. These days, however, it's harder to track down attractive designs that aren't merely chocolate-filled marketing tools for the latest cartoon characters.
Surprising your children with an unexpected alternative is a much nicer and more exciting way for them to enter into the spirit of the season. A miniature Christmas tree decked with 24 numbered mittens or socks, each one containing a little treat – chocolate coins, or tiny tree decorations – will be far more novel than any commercial offering.
In a similar vein, you could suspend numbered packages or miniature buckets from lengths of ribbon. Older children might enjoy 24 Advent envelopes pegged to a clothesline, each one containing a riddle or puzzle, or perhaps a question to a quiz, which can be marked on Christmas Day.
Small trees
An Advent tree is a lovely way to decorate a child's bedroom or playroom. Look for a small open-branched tree that's not too dense, so that the numbered gifts are not only visible, but also easy to remove when the day arrives.
Tags
As so often in life, the simplest solutions are the best. Bright wrapping paper and ribbon transform a panel of numbered hooks into an enticing countdown to Christmas.
Pails
A line of tiny galvanized buckets is a fun and imaginative way to count the days until Christmas. Available at little cost from markets, the buckets are a worthwhile investment, as this hanging Advent calendar will no doubt become a family tradition. Each bucket is lined with a pretty scrap of fabric, which is not merely decorative, but also serves to conceal its contents.
2 Comments
Very interesting !
I really like this idea, but find every year I receive less and less actual Christmas paper cards! I guess the trend is changing to either email cards or nothing at all ... sadly, as I enjoy still sending out our traditional snail mail card and always enjoying finding one in my mailbox!