We both LOVE Christmas, and I am one of those people who puts up the tree and fully decorates the house on December the 1st. The start of Advent IS the start of the festive season as far as I am concerned, and I love sharing this joyful magical time with my little girl. There is nothing wrong with a chocolate filled advent calendar but I do feel that some of the sentiment of advent is lost when it becomes all about the sugar. So I have spent a lot of time looking into creative, interesting alternatives to the classic choccy count down. Here are just a few ideas that we think our kiddos will love. We hope you agree.
If you have a budding artist at home then put them to use on creating some festive artwork for you, using the fab stamps from this Meri Meri calendar. Each day reveals a new Christmas themed stamp to be dunked in one of the three ink pads supplied. Pre-school class Christmas cards sorted!!
I grew up with traditional calendars when each day revealed a special festive image. Combine this with a love of doll's houses, and this traditional calendar from Fortnum's is my advent scene of dreams. Why not enjoy the detail of each festive room with your little ones?
Father Christmas is pretty busy in the run-up to the big day, but as all mummies know, his band of elves are out and about, reporting back to the man himself. Why not remind your children of this every day of advent, with a personalised elf letter detailing their Christmas wish lists, as well as lots of other magical info that only Santa Clause could possibly know?
Advent also signals the approaching school holidays, so if you have your own band of excitable little elves then these advent activity cards could be just what you need. Each pack contains 24 cards, packed with fun holiday-themed activities, to keep your little helpers busy, and you sane.
As a mummy of a very girly girl, I am forever on the lookout for the perfect hair slide. Evie Michelle is my go-to site for beautiful bows, so I am beyond excited by the release of their adorable advent calendar - 24 little bags containing one of their signature bows. This will be a year-round memento for your little girl and the perfect alternative to throw away plastic toys that will never get used.