new twist on a holiday tradition...

i saw this idea on pinterest and was totally inspired to try it for myself!

{photo via pinterest}

we have always had a small window/door style advent calendar, inside each door would be a small candy or a coin or 2. the kids have always loved waking up and opening their door...just the surprise of it even though it was never a big token always made it special.

this year i thought it might be fun to get small dollar store or fun style games and gifts to fill the bags and make everyday leading up to the holiday a little more exciting!!

and to be honest, i love watching their faces each morning, its selfish but they are growing up so fast i want to savor every moment of innocence and joy.

so this is our version.

steps:

1. i had Liz, our shipping manager at the studio bring me in a good looking branch from her beautifully wooded property (and it was the perfect size, i didnt cut it or anything).
2. i bought most of the bags from Michaels
3. used some large number stamps and embossed the numbers 1-25 on the bag fronts.
4. then raided my stash of tapes, ribbons and yarns and attached each bag to the stick.
5. i found some large command hooks and the branch fit perfectly in the hook (again, lucky!!)

each day i will have them cut down their bag and hopefully capture the fun with camera ready, lol!!

Comments

[APG Jamie]

they do grow up very fast and even faster IF you aren't watching.

Be selfish and cherish all those moments (and don't forget to back up your back up copies)

[becky voth]

I LOVE this idea! We always travel the first week in December, so it's hard to do the whole month, but maybe I'll do the 12 days of Christmas! TFS! Happy Thanksgiving!

[Marysu]

Love this idea!! My kids are all grown up, like the youngest hitting 35 last birthday, but we have so much fun now, it's even better because I don't have to be mom or in charge!! Happy Thanksgiving, and I am very thankful for you!!

[Donna]

Wonderful idea Donna! I agree with you, they grow up WAY too FAST...

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!

Peace,
Donna

[sara j]

What a great idea....my kids are all grown up and for the first time in what seems like forever I'm not cooking today...a right of passage I guess. Enjoy every little bit of time...it goes so fast (not to say that this time in life isn't grand too, but still.....) Christmas always makes me nostalgic. Happy Thanksgiving,

[Philippa]

Honey this is just perfect! So much so I may need to do it myself next year. John has two grown up children but hey does that mean WE can't have the fun of doing it??!! Maybe we will take alternate days so each of us has no idea what is in the bag. Perfect idea and now I'm looking forward to NEXT Christmas already!! LOLOLOL.. no time to do it for this year..

[Sharon Harris]

I do a similar thing for my elderly widowed Mom and Aunt. They truly look forward to opening their sacks each day. I don't get to see them do it as they are in different cities, but they tell me about it. Hanging from the branch is a great idea.

[Linda Gibbons]

This is a VERY Cool idea.!