The countdown to Christmas officially started today. Our daughters woke up to Advent calendars lined up on the kitchen counter, one for each- a gift from Grandma and Papa. An advent calendar is a fun way to help kids (and spirited adults) anticipate the big day with a tiny treat each day of advent. To my surprise I discovered that some families are going all out and skipping that small chocolate treat.
24 days of Chocolate filled mornings begins today
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We were out over the weekend with friends who have a two year old and a 8 month old son. They told us that their children received a large bag of gifts from Grandma to open each day.
I'm not sure how I missed hearing about that idea but I'm happy I did. Who has time for wrapping and shopping for 24 gifts per child? My kids squealed with delight when they saw the Advent calendars ready to be opened this morning.
I wanted to explain a little about the calendars to my four daughters. Their eyes glazed over as I explained that Advent calendars (and candle wreaths) stated in Germany in the 1800's, but have since caught on in many parts of the world.
Naturally they were much more interested in the chocolate. But as you can see from some of these photos, the basic idea of a countdown calendar with compartments for tiny gifts, ornaments, or candy is a great jumping -off point for all sorts of creative variations.
Our almost 5 year old daughter kept wanting to see what was behind door number 2, 3 and 4. But I continued on explaining how the first styles were the Adventclock or the Adventcandle-a candle for each of the 24 days until Christmas, like todays Advent wreath.
I tried explaining how in religious families little pictures were hung up on the wall-one for each day in December, but my our kids just wanted more chocolate, as if they haven't ever had candy. Halloween was just a month ago! I eventually had to pull the calendar from their little grips and explain that they may not find chocolate each day (I am thinking of taking some out and switching them with coins, and small toys). I'm sure you are thinking 'bah humbug', but really should my 22 month old get chocolate like this?
Yes, the pieces are small, but I do like the idea of steering away from the candy and putting a little more emphasis on the educational and religious aspects. One good way would be to use a home made calendar. Another is the this paper bag idea.
The first printed calendar, similar to the one that is in my home (or four, one for each child) was made in 1908 by Gerhard Lang. He should be proud that his invention has continued to brighten many homes with sugar filled mornings.
I'm not sure how I missed hearing about that idea but I'm happy I did. Who has time for wrapping and shopping for 24 gifts per child? My kids squealed with delight when they saw the Advent calendars ready to be opened this morning.
I wanted to explain a little about the calendars to my four daughters. Their eyes glazed over as I explained that Advent calendars (and candle wreaths) stated in Germany in the 1800's, but have since caught on in many parts of the world.
Naturally they were much more interested in the chocolate. But as you can see from some of these photos, the basic idea of a countdown calendar with compartments for tiny gifts, ornaments, or candy is a great jumping -off point for all sorts of creative variations.
Our almost 5 year old daughter kept wanting to see what was behind door number 2, 3 and 4. But I continued on explaining how the first styles were the Adventclock or the Adventcandle-a candle for each of the 24 days until Christmas, like todays Advent wreath.
Advent calendar you'll find in our home
I tried explaining how in religious families little pictures were hung up on the wall-one for each day in December, but my our kids just wanted more chocolate, as if they haven't ever had candy. Halloween was just a month ago! I eventually had to pull the calendar from their little grips and explain that they may not find chocolate each day (I am thinking of taking some out and switching them with coins, and small toys). I'm sure you are thinking 'bah humbug', but really should my 22 month old get chocolate like this?
Our 22 month old Shona, eating the chocolate found in today's window.
Yes, the pieces are small, but I do like the idea of steering away from the candy and putting a little more emphasis on the educational and religious aspects. One good way would be to use a home made calendar. Another is the this paper bag idea.
The first printed calendar, similar to the one that is in my home (or four, one for each child) was made in 1908 by Gerhard Lang. He should be proud that his invention has continued to brighten many homes with sugar filled mornings.
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