This is an excellent idea, however, I have to argue that what you've created is a Christmas countdown calendar. I like that I could use this concept to make a true advent calendar (which began November 29th this year), since it seems impossible to find such a thing.
An Easy Holiday Advent Calendar For Two Bucks
Photo: cathyse97
December is fast approaching, and with it the Christmas season. An advent calendar is a popular holiday activity, but can often take more time or funds than we have available. Here's how the advent calendar is being incorporated this year at our house, for less than two dollars. (See also: 6 Festive, Frugal Ways to Spruce Up Your Home for the Holidays)
Cards and Envelopes
First, I went to a craft store and picked up two twelve-packs of miniature gift cards in paisley patterned Christmas colors. I've also seen these same packages of smaller gift cards at Dollar Tree. There are numerous ideas out there on the web to make your own, but I'm short on time this year, and want to keep this activity stress free.
Activities and Treats
Next, I came up with a list of activities that suit the types of things we like to participate in over the holidays. I've provided a more comprehensive suggestion list below, but a few of the sample things we'll be doing include making chocolate peppermint martinis, baking Christmas cookies while listening to holiday music, decorating the tree, and enjoying homemade eggnog while watching The Santa Clause three-movie marathon. Since we won't be back to the United States until mid December, I won't need a full twenty-five separate activities or treats. Fifteen-seventeen items will do just fine. I'm also not feeling any pressure to make sure every night involves a small gift. In fact, nearly every night is going to be a specific holiday activity. We've been on a reduced consumption and downsizing kick, and want to continue that for the holiday season, preferring to do things together at a couple.
Releasing the Concept of an Actual Calendar Format
Coming up with a creative homemade calendar is more than I have the energy for this year, so I'm putting the entire collection of sealed activity cards in a pretty holiday bowl and mixing in a few peppermint candies. That's it. We'll pull out a different envelope each evening and proceed to enjoy the activity written on the card inside. Any of the grocery items we'll need for certain activities have already been worked into the monthly grocery budget, and the movies and carols are ones we either own already or can order ahead on Netflix. Total cost for this month-long holiday activity? Two bucks.
For more suggestions on affordable activities to try with this Christmas solution, check out the list of 70 advent calendar ideas I posted over on our family blog.
Best of Wise Bread
Hi Jessica,
I'll take your word for that, and thank you for stopping by. We didn't do advent in my house growing up, and so whenever I've heard of the 25 day countdown being and advent calendar I sort of took at as gospel. You're right though, both ways are fun to use for Christmas. We're looking forward to having something to do every evening that isn't necessarily high prep or stressful. So often, we stress ourselves out getting the wrapping and baking done so we can procede to a more intricate party or activity where we will use the fruits of those labors. I like the idea of turning these things into the activities themselves, as well as doing some of the things I mentioned above.
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This is a cool one Myscha. I liked that you incorporated an activity into the daily opening of the advent card. That is fun for the entire family and awesome that they are fun, stress free activities.
I have a gorgeous advent "house" made of wood with different sized doors. I buy several bags of variety pack Halloween candy a week or so after Halloween, for 75% off. I use the chocolates (kit kats, milk duds, etc.) in the tiny boxes, for each day. I have a variety of about 10 items, some repeat. Total cost: $4.50.
I save the unused candy for easter (double bubble, jolly ranchers, smarties), since they expire much later.
So.. Advent, and easter basket (sans chocolate bunny purchased later)...$4.50!
