One of our very favorite family traditions is an advent calendar. We do some version of a countdown, every year. I’ve shared this one in the past, but gave it a fresh look this year. The older they get, the more meaningful it has become, and every night at dinner starting on the first, we count down to Christmas with a different family discussion. It’s perfect for our kids’ ages. So without further ado, a free printable advent calendar!
{pssst… I even shared more that we have available for younger kids, below! Be sure to check it out.}
{Yes, I have not given you an update on this room since our floors changed! That’s coming soon, promise.}
The moment Halloween ends, the world explodes into glitter and snowflakes while Michael Bublé officially defrosts to join Mariah Carey in all our playlists.
I guess you could say I’m a summer forever kinda gal, so I try to keep the pumpkin vignettes in September. But once I give in and enjoy fall, I’m here for it. It’s all about Christmas. This year, I’m a reformed holiday purist, and if I’m going to all the trouble I’d like to enjoy it for a while. I think we could all use a little fun, colorful joy in our lives.
Over the years, we’ve made quite a few advent calendars. I guess you could say I’ve done a few of them as our kids grow up. So we have a little something for a few different ages and preferences.
You can see more if you’d like to pick and choose, from projects to printables there are some fun options, for sure!
• refrigerator advent calendar with little ornaments + projects for families
-free printables if you’re short on space
• clay tag advent calendar – great for a simple smaller handmade idea – we use this one every year.
• another version of this, two years ago.
-Below is a bit of a revised version, but be sure to check it out too.
As I mentioned above, this is a twist on something I created year before last, and I love that it revolves around family.
These are conversation pieces for around the table. Every night at dinner time, starting on December 1st, we count down Christmas with each card.
Our middle child, {daughter} loves it. She lives for dinner. She loves opening up an envelope each night, and discussing with all of us.
Our other children, {sons} not so much. Sometimes, this is more of a challenge for them. I think they enjoy it too, but it’s not something that comes easy to them. We basically hold everyone hostage at dinner, as a family. Each night comes with a different question. Some are deep, some are simple.
But at the end of the day, this makes them exercise that vulnerability muscle. It’s a great way to initiate some great dinner time conversations and bring your family together.
It teaches our kids that it’s okay to have safe discussions. Even if you disagree. And it builds an environment for that in our home. It’s important to both Jamin and me that this is a life skill we model for them in our own home. I’m not sure a lot of people are given that chance, growing up. Some people as adults still aren’t given that freedom with their own parents, and it can really ruin future relationships. We want to always be a safe space for them.
Some of the topics really challenge them to think beyond themselves, too. We’ve had some amazing conversations at Christmas over the last few years, so it was really exciting to put this {revised} edition together. Some are simple, some are deep. Some are interesting + give each member of the conversation something to learn about.
I think that this year, we’ll be pairing each night with an item to gather up for a family in need. And slowly collect it to give away. We’ll wrap that part up well before Christmas of course, but it will be nice to think about giving beyond ourselves.
It simply requires some A6 envelopes – 4.75 x 6.5. {We like (affiliate link) this little collection here for a nice color variety.}
And then you print out the rest, available below.
I printed and cut out each number and it was ready to go.
Want them?
Get them here: {more than 25 so you can pick your faves} – I’ve listed the subject matter here to make browsing easier
1.something that helps you feel better
2. describe your perfect day
3. something valuable you’ve learned this year
4. one of your earliest memories
5. fave thing about the holidays + if you could change one thing
6. best/worst part of your day
7. grateful
8. fave smell
9. something about yourself you’re really proud of
10. something about yourself you really like
11. stood up for someone/helped someone
12. name something you’d like to improve on
13. something you’d like to ask/how can you be a better person
14. honesty
15. love about every person here
16. when you grow up
17. someone in need
18. act of kindness
19. chore
20. makes you feel loved
21. faced something challenging – moving forward
22. kindness
23. failure
24. reason for the holidays
25. fave holiday memory
26. compliments
27. travel
We even have a blank option to write some of your own ideas in! Or better yet, get the family to participate and surprise each other with fun ideas and topics.
Simply print and cut and put them in whichever order you like.
Then put them in the envelopes and seal them up!
This year, I placed the advent calendar in our entryway, right beside our kitchen table.
I used some scotch tape to brace it on the back, along with some multi colored washi tape on the front for that fun Christmas-packaged feel.
Check out the how to for our easy dry erase board here – an oldie but goodie with FrogTape. It’s still fun to use for different things every now and again!
Oh! And before I forget:
This simple pom pom garland is recycled from last year, but we got it here + I made a simple bell garland from these here. They sound so fun! So if you have older kiddos, let us know if you use it. We’re letting this one grow with them.
If you make it, we’d love to hear.
Have an inspired day!
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