Heirloom Advent Calendars for a Classic Christmas

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While some of us count the days to Christmas by the Hallmark movie calendar or the holiday television special schedule, we think an Advent calendar is one of the most special ways to count the days. We've already rounded up our favorite annual Advent calendars from brands like LEGO, Diptyque, and Cadbury, but no Christmas season would be complete without an heirloom, and these reusable and refillable Advent calendars have all the makings of a classic Christmas tradition. Unpacking and using one of these Advent calendars year after year is sure to become a special Christmastime tradition that you and your family will look forward to. Counting down the days each morning leading to Christmas is a beloved memory, a moment each day spent with the whole family in joyful celebration and anticipation of Christmas. And, if you've filled your Advent calendar with pieces of candy or small gifts, it is a thrill for the little ones and moment to savor for the rest of the family too. Whether your Advent calendar is filled with 12, 24, or 25 days of gifts or counts the days by adding characters to a nativity scene or ornaments to a Christmas tree, you'll look forward to this special tradition every December.

HearthSong Gingerbread House Advent Calendar

HearthSong Gingerbread House Advent Calendar

Amazon

This charming gingerbread house-themed Advent calendar doubles as adorable wintertime decor.

Vermont Christmas Company Nativity Fabric Advent Calendar

Vermont Christmas Company Nativity Fabric Advent Calendar

Amazon

Each pocket of this calendar is filled with a stuffed figure to add to the nativity scene each day in December.

Vermont Christmas Company Christmas Tree Fabric Advent Calendar

Vermont Christmas Company Christmas Tree Fabric Advent Calendar

Amazon

Thanks to this festive Advent calendar, you'll be decorating the Christmas tree every day until the 25th.

Clever Creations Nativity Scene Advent Calendar

Clever Creations Nativity Scene Advent Calendar

Amazon

Celebrate the season by displaying this beautiful wooden Advent calendar with a nativity scene centerpiece.

SeasideMetalDesign Magnetic Christmas Tree Advent Calendar

SeasideMetalDesign Magnetic Christmas Tree Advent Calendar

Etsy

This cool steel tree is dressed up with numbered holiday ornaments throughout the month of December.

Kurt Adler Wooden Nativity Advent Calendar with 24 Magnetic Pieces

Kurt Adler Wooden Nativity Advent Calendar with 24 Magnetic Pieces

Amazon

As you open the doors each day, you'll find a different character to add to the nativity scene.

Make Your Own Christmas Advent Calendar

When it comes to Christmas, we can hardly contain our excitement as each day passes, getting us one step closer to our favorite day of the year. And, when December finally rolls around, we're quick to break out the advent calendar to help us count down each day until this special day. Now, there are plenty of adorable advent calendars out there you can buy to get the whole family in the spirit; but sometimes it's more fun to make your own. This DIY Advent Calendar really shows what some hot glue, felt, and store-bought yardsticks can get done, and you can pick any holiday-patterned paper you like to customize it. Make it a family activity, complete with hot chocolate, or a festive solo project while singing along to your favorite Christmas songs. It's sure to delight your crowd if you stash a little money, treats, or Bible verses in the paper pockets!

Here are the wood sizes you'll need. Start with five 24-inch yard sticks, and cut down to the sizes below:

  • One 23-inch piece
  • One 20-inch piece
  • One 17-inch piece
  • One 12-inch piece
  • One 9.5-inch piece
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