Start a new family tradition, making each day leading up to Christmas special. Download our printable calendar and activity list and start making memories.
Crafting a Family Tradition with Felt Advent Calendars
The holiday season is synonymous with traditions, and one of the most cherished in our home is the activity advent calendar. Our Felt activity advent calendars, with their tactile charm and customizable pockets, offer a unique way to count down the days, making each one memorable.
The beauty of a felt advent calendar lies in its ability to evolve with your family. As years go by, the activities within can change, but the tradition remains. Whether it's your child's first Christmas or a festive season with your partner, the calendar becomes a canvas of memories, capturing moments from every December.
When I was a kid, the thrill of opening a new door on my advent calendar each morning was almost as exciting as Christmas itself! Some calendars have chocolates or little toys, but the one I've created? It's all about experiences and creating memories. Each pocket holds an activity or a little note, turning the whole month into a festive adventure.
It's not just a calendar; it's a tradition, a way to make the holiday season even more special. And the best part? It's a journey you and your family take together, cherishing each moment leading up to the big day. So, are you ready to add a dash of wonder to your December?
Why Choose a Felt Advent Calendar
Yes they are a little more expensive to splurge on in comparison to the cardboard throw away chocolate calendars you will start to see everywhere, but they will last for many Christmases to come! A felt advent calendar isn't just functional; it's a piece of festive decor that adds a touch of homemade love to your space. Plus, it's durable! This means year after year, as you pull it out of your Christmas storage, it's like greeting an old friend. It becomes a part of your family's holiday story, holding memories of all the Decembers past and the promise of many more to come.
How to Plan Out Your Advent Calendar
Alright, let's get down to the fun part! Planning your advent calendar is like mapping out a month-long adventure. Here's how I do it:
- Print out Calendar: Print out the December calendar and mark down any local activities you want to do with your family. For example, watching the santa parade or tree lighting ceremony, a carol concert or performance of the Nutcracker.
- List Down Activities: Next jot down all the festive things you'd love to do. From baking cookies to having a Christmas movie marathon even a nature walk let your imagination run wild! I have included a list of some of our favourites or you can download a printable list below!
- Mix It Up: Balance out bigger activities with simpler ones. Not every day needs to be a grand event; sometimes, the smallest moments hold the most magic.
- Get the Family Involved: Ask everyone what they'd love to do. Maybe your little one wants a day dedicated to crafting, or perhaps your partner has a favorite Christmas story they'd love to read.
- Place Them in the Calendar: Once you have your list, start placing each activity in your calendar. Make sure you have simple quick activities for the busier days to avoid too much stress. Plus add in a few extras in case you need to switch up things at the last minute because we all know life happens!
- Gather Supplies: Make sure you have everything you need for each activity. It's a good idea to prepare a little in advance, so everything runs smoothly.
- Enjoy the Journey: Remember, it's not just about the activities; it's about the memories you're creating. So, take a deep breath, embrace the festive spirit, and dive into a month of joy and togetherness. Don’t beat yourself up if everything doesn’t go as planned, there is no harm in changing up the activities last minute or opting for a treat that day in place of an activity. Just remember to have fun!
Activities Galore: Making Each Day Special
Once you have collected all your activity ideas together write them out on a piece of paper (printable blank notes can be downloaded below) and place in each pocket. You could also include a small wrapped gift, eg; a gift card to your favourite café to sample a hot chocolate treat or some sprinkles to decorate cookies. Here are some ideas to get you started.
- Christmas Storytime: Kickstart the month with a heartwarming Christmas tale. It’s a cozy way to welcome the festive season.
- DIY Ornaments: Crafting ornaments together isn’t just fun, it’s a way to create keepsakes that you’ll cherish for years to come.
- Cookie Baking Day: Ah, the sweet smell of cookies baking! Let the little ones go wild with the cookie cutters and sprinkles. Make enough to give to friends and neighbours.
- Snowflake Crafting: Cutting out paper snowflakes is simple, yet so enchanting. They’ll love seeing their creations fluttering in the window.
- Write to Santa: Penning a letter to Santa is a cherished tradition. Plus it’s a sweet way to capture their little wishes each year.
- Christmas Carol Dance-off: Crank up the holiday tunes and let loose! It’s a merry way to burn off some of that candy cane energy.
- Nature Walk: A frosty nature walk can be magical. Collecting pinecones and spotting winter wildlife is a real adventure.
- Homemade Christmas Cards: Making cards for loved ones is a heartfelt activity that teaches them the joy of giving.
- Christmas Scavenger Hunt: A festive scavenger hunt is like a little Christmas adventure, right in your living room!
- Build a Gingerbread House: Crafting a gingerbread house is a sweet way to spend an afternoon. The more candy, the better! If you’re short on time the ready made kits are perfect.
- Hot Cocoa Treats: Setting up a little cocoa stand is a cozy way to warm up after some outdoor play.
- Snowman Building: If you’re lucky enough to have snow, building a snowman is a must. No snow? Craft one indoors with cotton balls!
- Visit a Virtual North Pole: A virtual trip to the North Pole is a whimsical way to meet Santa and his elves, right from your cozy living room.
- Christmas Pancakes: Have breakfast for dinner and decorate pancakes to look like reindeer or snowmen.
- Christmas Lights: Take a walk or car ride around your neighbourhood to see the Christmas Lights.
- Movie Night: Watch your favourite Christmas Movie – Ours is Home Alone and I watch it multiple times a year!
- Charity Giving: Donate to your local toy drive or food bank this holiday.
- Red or Green: Everyone has to dress in Red and Green for the day. Even Dad going to work!
- Decorate: Make a popcorn/dried pasta garland to decorate your home
- Be Kind: We always include a day where we do something kind for a friend or neighbour.
- Reindeer Treat: Make reindeer dust to sprinkle on your front steps to guide the reindeer to your home – simple oats, sprinkles & edible glitter.
Conclusion: Celebrating December with Tradition and Togetherness
Each day, as they reach into the pockets of the advent calendar, they’ll find a new little adventure waiting for them. It’s a heartwarming way to make the whole month feel as special as Christmas morning. And the best part? You’ll be right there with them, making memories that you’ll all treasure forever. So, shall we make this December the most enchanting one yet?
Ready for some festive fun?
Download our printable calendar and activity list and start making memories.