This morning we took the first ornament out of a pocket from our Advent calendar. I’ve been so excited about this thing but it’s taking me forever to complete…so, I’m posting it as a work-in-progress. As long as I can stay a day or two ahead with the ornaments, I figure I’ll be ok!
Here’s what the whole thing looks like (unfinished):
As you can see, it’s a Christmas tree with pockets at the bottom. The tree has little red buttons sewn on, which is where the ornaments will hang. When I’m finished, there will be 24 buttons all over the tree…one for each ornament.
Each day, we’ll take an ornament out and hang it on our little tree.
All of the ornaments have a different component of the story of Christ’s birth. I’m hoping the girls will be excited about seeing what will come next. At the very least, I know they’ll have fun hanging the ornaments. :) They’re are basically just little linen softies with an image stitched on.
I decided to make this Advent calendar without treats or toys after seeing the beginning of the holiday season showing up in stores. When we went to the mall…there was Santa. At the hardware store…there were huge inflatable scenes with Frosty and Santa and all other aspects of Christmas that are devoid religious connotations. So, I thought that an Advent calendar such as this would be a daily reminder about what Christmas is all about. Hopefully, by Christmas morning, there will be no confusion about what we are celebrating when we open gifts and visit family and friends. We’ll still have fun with the other stuff, but I want my girls to understand the difference between the fluff and the meat of Christmas.
Love it!! I wish I could get something like that done. I think we will be going with a paper chain.
My son says that’s pretty. He wants one too (hint hint since I am unable to sew).
Very sweet:)
what a wonderful and beautiful idea! what are the different ornaments you’re making? i’d love to try to make one, too!
love it.
@CC - I’d love to make you one, but I’m totally ready to put this baby to bed!
@ Aimee- Here is my list so far. I’m lacking two ornaments…any ideas?
mary
joseph
gabriel
pregnant elizabeth
ceasar
donkey
pregnant mary
bethlehem
inn
manger
sheep
ox
hay
shepherds
angel
wise men
camel
star
frankincense
mir
gold
jesus
a candle, signifying that Jesus is the Light of the world
Herod
a scroll or a Bible to refer to the prophesies of Jesus found in the Old Testament
a stable or a cave
a heart
a gift with a heart in the middle of it
Chrissy, here’s my list:
Mary
Joseph
Poinsettia
Candy cane
Bethlehem
Inn
Manger
Hope
Virgin Birth
Shepherds
Angel
Joy
Peace on Earth / Prince of Peace
Wisemen
Star
Frank/gold/myrr
King of kings
Light of the world
Noel
Heart (John 3:16)
Alleluia
The Word (from beginning of John)
Savior / Redeemer
Emmanuel
Jesus
Thanks so much for starting me on this journey! I, too, am finished w/ felt calendars for the time being, my fingers need a time of healing