Advent Calendars

As the weather becomes cooler and the lights begin to decorate the trees outside, I get more and more excited for December and the upcoming holiday season. While I typically try to restrain myself from spreading Christmas cheer until the last pumpkin pie slice has been devoured on Thanksgiving evening, some things just require a little planning in advance.

I truly adore the ritual of keeping an Advent calendar. This tradition started with German Lutherans in the beginning of the 19th century who would count down the 24 days of Advent by drawing a line of chalk on their doors each night, beginning on December 1st. Other families would elaborate on this theme of marking the days by lighting a new candle or hanging a small religious picture on the wall each day. I fully encourage the continuation of these historic traditions, but over the years we’ve strayed from marking doors with chalk to keeping advent calendars filled with savory goodies, presents or beautiful images for each day leading up to Christmas. Here are some suggestions for your home this December…

Simple Spool Advent Calendars

These Advent calendars are great for those who love to be creative and crafty (and for those on a budget!).  The awesome Just Something I Made outlines how to create these spools (and even offers a computer template).  Labels, like the one pictured in the introduction, could say "Look under your bed," "Check the garage," "Search the freezer," and so on.  This would allow you, or whoever decides to create the calendar, to hide special trinkets, foods, messages, etc. for the loved ones in your household to search for and find.  If you live alone, then you could do this with a friend, where you swap Advent calendars and hide the gifts at each others homes.  If you live with one person or more, you could take turns being responsible for certain days to ensure that everybody will be surprised throughout the month of December. 

Chocolate Truffles Advent Calendar ($78)

If you're a true chocolate lover, then I can think of no better December than to wake up to a brand new sumptuous truffle every morning. For one crazy reason or another, many stores don't advertise their Advent calendars as much as they should. If you have a favorite chocolate store, I recommend contacting them directly to see if they sell a similar festive creation to the one shown above made by Gump's San Francisco (click here to order).

Telluride Advent Calendar ($69)

I just love this beautifully made Telluride Advent Calendar presented by Pottery Barn Kids.  This calendar is made of felt and boasts 25 unique pockets, each designed to hold a secret treat, message or small gift.  You can also personalize this calendar by adding a name at the bottom for a small additional fee.

 

The Metropolitan Museum of Art Advent Calendars
($14-16)

I always look forward to seeing what The Metropolitan Museum of Art's gift shop will produce in terms of Advent calendars each year, and this year they have several beautifully-crafted options.  You can choose from the Choirs of Angels Advent Calendar (left), The Nativity: An Advent Calendar (right) and, my personal favorite, their Christmas Tree Pop-Up Calendar, which brings to life The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Christmas tree in the form of a triptych-style pop-up calendar.  In this calendar, the beautiful angels and other figures are revaled in detail when you open each window.   Click here for the rest of The Met Store's selections.

The Obama Family White House Advent Calendar ($19.95)

For the politico in your family, why not opt for a humorous take on the Advent calendar by purchasing The Obama Family White House Advent Calendar from Paper Source. Behind each window of this clever calendar you’ll find the identifiable key players (for better or for worse!) involved in last year’s historic run to the White House. You can expect to see John Edwards as the red-face reindeer, Jesse Jackson as the Nutcracker, and many more surprises. The calendar includes a pop out easel stand for display.

Shabby Chic Advent Calendar ($149)

Hand crafted of pine with a distressed painted finish, this simple yet stylish Advent calendar presented by Pottery Barn contains 25 numbered doors that can hold small candies or trinkets for each day leading up to Christmas. Click here to order.

Eric Carle's Dream Snow Pop-Up Calendar ($10.99)

If you're looking for a different type of Advent calendar, then you might be interested in Eric Carle's Dream Snow Pop-Up Calendar. Based on the best-selling Christmas story Dream Snow by Eric Carle, this calendar will unfold to reveal a lovely pop-up Christmas tree surrounded by gifts. You can open a window each day to discover a new decoration to add to the scene. By the time Christmas arrives, the calendar will have become a superb decoration in its own right.

Dog Advent Calendar ($15)

Why not mark the days leading up to Christmas with the most lovable member of your family….your dog! Paws Gourmet has come out with a Dog Advent Calendar that contains two wheat-free doggie treats per day. Honestly, who else is more worthy of some delish gourmet treats this holiday season than your precious pooch.

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For more Advent calendars, try browsing Target's selection here and Barnes & Noble's selection here.  If you are looking for Advent houses made of wood, click here for a small selection.

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Let's count down the days until Christmas together! Please look for Spruce to post much more in the coming weeks regarding the upcoming holiday season, including the highly anticipated fifty-song Christmas playlist.

Please e-mail suggestions for future Christmas entries to spruce.report@gmail.com, post on Spruce's facebook fanpage, or simply write your comments or suggestions as a comment on this website!

Written by Kaisa Talaga