Handmade Christmas: Advent Calendar Roundup

We had an advent calendar growing up that we pulled out of the attic (along with all of the other Christmas decorations) each year. It was a cardstock paper calendar with a beautiful illustration of baby Jesus, Mary and Joseph in the stable. There were little numbers on flaps and each one had a picture underneath of it. Each day we got to open one flap - so fun. As we got older, we had the calendars that had chocolate behind the flaps - each day we took turns on who got the chocolate :).

So today-- a round up of links to beautiful Advent Calendars from all across the www. I am always amazed at the beautiful creativity people have. I plan to make an Advent Calendar for our little family one day... maybe next year? :) Love all of the inspiration out there - so many different ideas! :) What a fun way to celebrate each day in December leading up to Christmas - the perfect opportunity to reflect daily on the meaning of Christmas-- with a fun little gift, activity, or Scripture.

Cardholder/Advent Calendar Idea by My Digital Art Studio

Do you have an Advent Calendar? Did you make it yourself?

I recently found this neat blog - oh Amanda - below are some fab ideas for what to put in each day of your Advent Calendar:
-- From oh Amanda
+ A Scripture that tells the story of Jesus’ birth
+ A small piece of candy
+ An ornament
+ A charm (that could be made into a bracelet or necklace)
+ A piece of paper with an activity (ie. “let’s make Christmas cookies” OR “we’re going Christmas light watching tonight!”)
+ A clue to an activity, craft, story (that’s kinda what we’re doing. I put in a sticker of a king yesterday because we read Isaiah 9:6-7)
+ A small toy
+ The title of a Christmas story to read

The Roundup: All of these are fabulous ideas to make your own Advent Calendar - Enjoy :)

1. craftastica - Recycle Bin Advent Calendar

2. Marta Writes - Advent - December Bookshelf (and a great round up of more Advent Calendars)

3. Stitch-Craft - Countdown to Christmas

4. All About You - Advent Calendar

4. Full Circle - Advent

5. Design*Sponge - Paper Holiday - Advent

6. Pink Blossom Events - Advent Calendar

7. Martha Stewart - Photo Advent Calendar (great idea to give grandparents)

8. Ali Edwards - Advent Boxes

9. Stitch Craft - Adventures in Advent Calendars

10. Pickles - Christmas Calendar for Sharing

+ Check out more Advent Calendar Round Ups here and here.

+ Debbie recently purchased a set of Holiday Number Tags from my etsy shop and was super sweet to send me pictures of how she used them in her handmade Advent Calendar. Isn't this so adorable!? Nice work! Thanks for sending the pictures Debbie :)

*All images in this post from their respective blogs/websites.