downey tradition : advent calendar

{sorry for the crappy photo, it was 7 am, lol}

the advent calendar has taken on many forms over the years...ornaments, small doors with bite sized treats, coins to recently the hanging bags with secret surprises inside.

the gifts are for the most part small, fun, sentimental and even ridiculous at times, but it is a really fun way to CELEBRATE the countdown until christmas. we are not a "religious" family per say, but in our way the advent calendar reminds us to laugh, share and to be grateful for the things that make a family and the silliness's of life special.

this year we are a bit displaced having sold our home and waiting for our new one to be built...so celebrating and decorating have felt a bit ...off maybe? so it was awesome to see my 3 kids (even my teenagers) faces light up when they saw this hanging at the foot of the stairs this morning. the kids draw straws to determine their order in opening each day. payton drew the longest and opened day 1 today, cole will open day 2 tomorrow and mckenna with the short straw will open wednesday. they will repeat this pattern until they are all opened.

they all want the long straw, because whomever opens first also gets to open Christmas morning, this has the biggest of the small gifts!!

here's to keeping joy in your hearts

and celebrating the little things!

Comments

[Lynda B.P.]

♥

[Caroline Duncan]

What a fun advent calendar! Enjoy your holidays... just think.... next year you will be in your new home and will have to decide how to decorate your house = FUN!!

[cairsa]

love this! so sweet.

[Pat Healey]

What a fun family tradition. You are building wonderful memories for your kids.

[Debbie Mc]

You are a fun family. xo