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There is a beautiful Advent House in the Christmas Vacation movie that has captivated me for years. (Note: It is NOT a family-friendly movie!) I love the way the warm lights shine through all the little windows as they are opened in the countdown to Christmas.
That house is crazy expensive, but an advent calendar doesn’t have to cost a fortune to be considered an heirloom. It just has to have value to YOUR family. Something that gets your kids all excited as it is pulled out of the box year after year.
For my family, that item is a hanging fabric Christmas tree with 24 pockets and a little stuffed Santa. I think I got it at the thrift store for $2. They take turns moving the Santa each day. My teenagers are just as eager to participate as the younger kids because it is tradition. They know that the Advent tree will be there every year, and they enjoy the shared memories.
I’ve put together a list of Heirloom Advent Calendar ideas. At the end of the list is a FREE option, and a link to several more advent calendars. If you don’t already have one, consider starting this new tradition with your family. Build the anticipation and wonder as it gets closer and closer to celebrating the day that a little baby came into the world and changed everything!
Magnetic Nativity Advent Calendar
Christmas House Advent Calendar
Little People Advent Wall Calendar
Christmas Tree Advent Calendar
O Little Town of Bethlehem Foldout Advent Calendar
{Make Your Own}
Must Be Santa Felt Applique KIT
See my entire list of Christmas Advent Countdown Calendars
{FREE Nativity Advent Calendar}
If purchasing an advent calendar is not an option, I have a Free Printable Nativity Set that includes a countdown. You could also bring out one new piece a day as you tell the story all the way to Christmas Day.
{Follow My Advent Pinterest Board}
These Festive Family Bloggers are sharing Gifts for the Season:
Festive Family Holiday Gift Guide Favorites ~ Gifts for Everyone on Your List
DIY Toddler Play Activity Gift Box @Adventures of Adam
Ten Things from Germany as Christmas Presents @ La Cite’ des Vents
Ten Things from France as Christmas Presents @ La Cite’ des Vents
Easy Gifts Kids Can Make @ Hand Made Kids Art
Stocking Stuffer Ideas @ Crystal’s Tiny Treasures
Green Gifts for Crunchy Mamas @ All Done Monkey
Gift Guide for Montessori Homeschoolers @ Living Montessori Now
Gift Guide – Birth to 18 Months @ ALLterNATIVElearning
The Ultimate Yoga for Kids Gift Guide @ Kids Yoga Stories
Simple Stocking Stuffers @ Peace But Not Quiet
Gift Guide for Promoting Healthy Development @ The Inspired Treehouse
Tips for Sustainable Gift Giving @ Multicultural Kid Blogs
ALEX Toys Holiday Gift Guide @ Still Playing School
Best Gifts for a One-Year-Old @ Adventure in a Box
Gifts that Help Kids with Independence @ Sugar Aunts
Grandparent Gifts Kids Can Make @ The Chaos and the Clutter
25 Heartwarming Christmas Books @ Fireflies and Mudpies
Heirloom Advent Calendars @ Are We There Yet?
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{Enter the Festive Family Giveaway}
The Festive Family Holiday Hop Schedule
- November 3: Sharing the Joy of the Season
- November 5th: Thankful Traditions
- November 7th: Creative Christmas
- November 10th:Gifts for the Season
- November 12th: Festive Activities for Kids
- November 14th: DIY Holiday
- November 17th: Festive Family Fun