Advent Calendar for Adults
Christmas is more than one day, it’s a season. Days and weeks are full of anticipation, excitement, and activities. But as adults, we don’t always feel the excitement just the exhaustion of long lists of things to do.
When I was a parent with young children, I caught the Spirit of Christmas by creating a magical time for them. It was fun to decorate every inch of the house and exciting to find perfect gifts and see the glow of happiness on their faces as we experienced seasonal activities.
Fast forward 20 years. The kids are grown and out of the house. No longer do we have weeks of activities leading up to December 25. Decorating is slightly more subdued mainly because takes longer to put up and takedown! I still enjoy finding the perfect gifts and spending quality time with my children but it’s different. Not as exciting and magical.
How do we get that magical feeling back? I asked many empty-nester friends that question and they shared the activities that bring the Christmas Spirit into their lives. From those ideas, I created an Advent Calendar for Adults.
Advent calendars of the past
I still remember the advent calendars of my childhood. Our great-grandmother Susie sent us a cardboard advent calendar with a winter scene with little windows that opened to show a new scene each day. My children had advent calendars with small pieces of chocolate. My grandchildren have advent calendars with small ornaments. Advent calendars are a part of our Christmas traditions.
Creating an advent calendar for adults
Creating an advent calendar can become a new tradition for you, your spouse or the adults in your life. The activities could include small gifts, activity ideas or tickets for activities. We tend to pack fun activities into the weekend and spend quiet evenings at home. With this in mind, I chose time-appropriate activities for each day. Some days I also added tickets to various activities or candy.
A few years ago my sister and I found this wooden soda crate at a small store in Wenatchee. I thought I’d fill it with spices and display it on my kitchen cabinet. But, the spices leaked out of the lids so it just sat on my countertop. But then I got to thinking about what a wonderful advent calendar it would make.
Advent activity cards
Taking all the suggestions from friends I created activity strips. Way more than you’ll ever need for the days leading up to Christmas but remember many things can be experienced after Christmas too! There are 52 activities plus strips to write-in other ideas. I always print at Office Depot on cardstock. Click here to download the cards: Advent Calendar Activities (1)
Print strips on cardstock
Creating the numbered lids
I purchased this fun paper at Hobby Lobby. Christmas items are hitting the shelves right now (August!) and this paper is still in stock!
Love it!
I love the pop of color this advent calendar adds to my kitchen! After the holidays I’ll take off the jar lids and colorful numbers and store them for next year.
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Where to get supplies
This darling paper and rub-on letters are from Hobby Lobby. Antique wooden soda boxes can be found at many flea markets and antique stores. The 2″ paper punch and the paper cutter are probably the two items I use the most in paper crafting! I don’t know what I’d do without them. I’D LOVE TO SEE A PHOTO OF WHAT YOU CREATE!!
