advent calendars

One of my favorite Christmas traditions is having an advent calendar.  There is something about the anticipation and excitement as each day builds to Christmas that has always appealed to me.  I guess the saying that "anticipation is often greater than participation" really does apply to yours truly.

Growing up, our family advent calendar was a "Noah's Ark" theme.  Each day we would open the door to the ark and pull out the animals, two by two, and line them up.  It was simple and beautiful and something we looked forward to all year long.

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When Josh and I got married, we searched for the perfect advent calendar for our tiny house.  We didn't have much surface space, so a "Noah's Ark" wouldn't work, but we did find a calendar that can hang on the wall.  While it does leave something to be desired, the anticipation and reminder that Christmas is coming is never lacking.  

While I love my Christmas tree advent calendar, I am always on the search for a new one and this year I have seen so many different options that I love!  BUT, my very favorite (and one I would like to use in the future) requires a little more work on the front end...

Step 1: buy or make 24 tags.  

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Step 2: write a different treat or activity on each tag

Some of my favorite ideas include:

 "eat donuts for breakfast" 

"go look at Christmas lights"

"take a gift to a neighbor"

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Step 3: create an advent calendar display

The tags could be displayed on a cork board, hanging over a mantle, hanging from a miniature Christmas tree, or even just in a display that has pre-made pockets.

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Step 4: get excited for Christmas!

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What do you think?  Am I crafty enough to make this happen?  Do you have any favorite advent calendar activities?

xo,

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