Make an advent calendar with us
The Origins of Advent Calendars
The advent calendar was invented in the 19th century. It didn't hide any sweets, but rather pictures that the children could cut out each day and stick together to form one beautiful picture. Other calendars included poems or religious images. Only later in Germany did they invent a calendar that hid small sweets.
Originally, the advent calendar did not open until December 6, but later, the date was moved to the beginning of December. So it hides 24 windows with small gifts. At first, it was little things like candies or small chocolates.
A calendar like this does not have to be all about sweets. Today, many families make their own advent calendar and hide various little things or even good deeds. This calendar teaches us to enjoy our time together and appreciate the presence of our loved ones.
Try and make your own advent calendar. Each day, instead of a reward, write down a service or activity, such as:
- to contact friends we haven't heard from in a long time.
- write an inspiring note to our grandparents or siblings
- send Christmas cards that you make yourself.
- Bake gingerbread cookies and small pastries, which you will wrap nicely and give as a family gift to your friends.
- make Christmas decorations together.
- go for a walk in a snowy forest (even with a pet).
- take a series of photos that you can print and send as a Christmas greeting (even photos from your walk).
- help someone during this period - an animal shelter, socially weaker families, support a project that needs it
- Feed the birds (a sliced apple will do)
- Go ice skating
- Decorate the Christmas tree together
- Make a simple gift for the grandparents
- Make Christmas wrapping paper
- Decorate the gingerbread cookies together
- Make a gingerbread house
- Write a letter to Santa
- Do a good deed
- Visit the grandparents or neighbors
- Make some hot chocolate
- Watch a Christmas movie / have a movie night
- Sing carols together
- Play board games
- Support by buying handmade creators, artists or small local businesses
- Go to a bookstore and read at least one page of a book and if you like it, buy it
- Make a Christmas lamp together
Make your own advent calendar.
Don't forget to include help with cleaning or shopping. In this way, you will teach children to participate in household chores, which peak in the pre-Christmas period.
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