Advent Calendar

This year, I decided to make an Advent Calendar.  We really want to focus on Jesus being the reason for Christmas, and also to look outside ourselves and bless others.

I perused the internet, and finally settled on an advent calendar like this one:

I like the rustic, simple look of it.

So, first I gathered my supplies, and thankfully, I had everything already to make this!!!

I hung some strong string from the mantle

found a pattern for a stocking online:  sometimes I search for childrens coloring pages to find simple designs.. try it!!!

Painted the clothespins red and green {TIME.CON.SUM.ING!}

Started sewing the stockings.. there will be 25 in all! {Thankful for ladies craft night at church!!!}

Stamped the numbers

Each stocking will be filled with an activity for the day - could be a craft, or an event.  A scripture.  And a treat. {and Caleb will have a new felt ornament for his Christmas tree}. 

I am not hanging the stockings on the string until AFTER Rachel and Caleb have looked inside to see what the day will hold!

I want them to visually see that we are adding a stocking each day and we are getting closer to CHRISTmas.

I will be blogging each day about what we will be doing.  We are really looking forward to starting this new tradition!!!