Advent Calendar Ideas and Why They Are So Magical

Welcome to the season where twinkling lights take over every town and corner, carols fill the air, and the excitement for Christmas grows with each passing day!

In this blog, we will dive into advent calendars, how to make them, the top advent calendars to gift and why they even exist. These delightful treasures are more than just a countdown to Christmas; they’re little portals for making the season unforgettable for children and adults alike.

What Are Advent Calendars and Why Are They So Magical?

Advent calendars can provide daily gifts leading up to Christmas Day. Each day you get to open a little door or box, unveiling a tiny surprise. These calendars sprinkle excitement and anticipation in the holiday season, especially for children.

Curious to witness the surprise yourself? Explore our exciting selection of advent calendars.

How Many Days Are There In An Advent Calendar?

Advent calendars typically only have 24 days, starting from December 1st up until December 24th. This gives children and adults the joy of small surprises until the grand celebration on Christmas Day.

The History of Advent Calendars

Have you ever wondered why these calendars exist?

The word ‘advent’ is derived from the Latin word ‘coming’. Advent calendars have been traced back to the 19th century when German Protestants took creative steps to mark the days leading up to Christmas. Families would countdown the days to Christmas Eve with chalk lines, candles, and by placing straws in Nativity cribs.

How To Make A DIY Advent Calendar

String Advent Calendars

A simply yet effective way to partake in the joy of advent calendars! Use a medium-length piece of string and stick it up against a wall or the fridge. Write 24 notes that are all numbered and use pegs to hang them onto the string, once opened, the letter will give a hint on where to find that day’s gift around the home.

Your little one will jump with joy as they are taken on a scavenger hunt. Where is the surprise? Is it under the bed? Under the sofa? In the cereal box? It could be anywhere!

For extra creative fun, have your little one decorate the outside of the letters to create a wonderful Christmas feeling.

Paper Start Advent Calendars

All you need is some printed paper, string, and a stapler.

Print out a design of your choice, this could be a star, stocking, snowflake, snowman or just colourful paper, and staple two sides together or create a shape. This way you can make a little pouch to hold any candies, chocolates, or small toys for your little one’s advent calendar. Use the string to link one pouch to the other, or just use it to hold up the paper designs and attach to a wall.

By printing out your own design, you can create a fun day of colouring and painting with your mini elf.

Colourful Envelope Advent Calendars

Collect your favourite-coloured envelopes in a variety of sizes, you will need 24. Then all you need to do is use pushpins to stick them onto a piece of corkboard and number each envelope from 1 to 24.

Remember to place small snacks, toys or alternatively you can place a letter inside that will hold a love note, fun activity to do with the family or fun game to play that day all together.

Now we’ve gone over the what and why of advent calenders, it’s time to dig into the how. Of course you can chose to buy a pre-made advent calendar, but if you have a child who loves their craft sets, then making your own calendar alongside them can make a memorable part of the Christmas experience!

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