Advent Calendar - a Christmas tradition that we never had in the Philippines, one that I was unaware of until Jack mentioned getting one for Mary last year (which we did not do since we did not find one that we liked— not that we looked all that hard.)

This year, we saw one at Costco for a reasonable price.  And this year, Mary is very much aware of all the excitement of the holiday season — it will be a fun way to count down for Christmas morning.

Advent Calendar

Not having any past experience to get ideas for the “little presents” that go behind each door, I relied on some creativity.  I did not want to just have candy behind the doors or little useless baubles.  Also, I did not want to spend a lot of money for 24 little presents. 

So here is what I came up with, at least for 11 of the 24 days.  On the first day, she will get a small fake Christmas Tree.  Then, for 10 days (not exactly the next 10), she will get the ornaments that she can hang on it.

To make it more fun and more involved, I thought to make the first one as a mini-Treasure Hunt.

Behind the door was a strand of beads, a little piece of chocolate and a note— the first clue. An unexpected bonus, she gets to practice reading. “LOOK FOR A YELLOW ARROW,” she read on her own, sounding out the letters.

Reading the First Clue

The Yellow Arrow pointed to this second note.

Reading the Second Clue

Behind the Front Door was the little tree!
Tree outside the Door

A Special Tree For A Special Girl
Your very own Mary Christmas Tree
Have Fun Decorating Me!

Mary and her very own tree

Every other day, I will lead her on a treasure hunt for the ornaments that will go on the tree.

ornaments for little tree

Later on, she says “I love hunting for my present, Mommy. Next time, can we make it a longer one?”

—–

For other Advent Calendar ideas, check out Raquel’s Easy-to-do Advent Calendar.