[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_post_title comments=”off” featured_image=”off” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” title_font_size=”52px” meta_font_size=”22px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_post_title][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”SEO Intro from META DESCRIPTION” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro Text” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Well, when I was a little girl, we had a felt Christmas countdown calendar with velcro pieces. \u00a0It hung on the freezer in the laundry room, right beside our back door. \u00a0I remember racing to try and beat my big brother to get to move the piece first each day.<\/strong><\/p>\n Since then, I’ve come to love the season of Advent and the intentional meaning behind why we celebrate. \u00a0Because I wanted to pass this importance along to my own family and create a special holiday tradition, we started our easy DIY calendar boxes several years ago.<\/p>\n My kids have already been talking about them for weeks and everyone is excited for the first day of December to roll around!<\/strong><\/p>\n Which means…I’m already behind. \u00a0I need to start shopping SOON for favorite advent calendar fillers. \u00a0One time saving tip? \u00a0Creating boxes like these makes for reusable advent calendars so I don’t have to redo them every year!<\/p>\n I hope this post inspires you to start your own Advent calendar tradition with your family members. \u00a0It is a great way to bring everyone together to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.<\/strong> \u00a0At the same time, it is so much fun! \u00a0I hope the fun ideas in this post will spark creativity for your and your family as you get into the holiday spirit!<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/IMG_7285_jpg-scaled.jpg” alt=”small advent boxes arranged in a cream metal cubby” title_text=”IMG_7285_jpg” admin_label=”IMG” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”750px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”why do we celebrate the advent?” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Traditionally, Advent has been celebrated in churches around the world. \u00a0In the Latin language, advent means “coming”. \u00a0Celebrating Advent literally means celebrating the coming of Jesus<\/strong> into the world as a Baby in the manger.<\/p>\n Advent is observed as the four Sundays and weeks leading up to Christmas Day. \u00a0At the same time, it is often observed as December 1st through Christmas Day.<\/p>\n Because the Christmas holiday is so meaningful to our faith, our family observes Advent with a daily devotional reading and opening of an Advent box.<\/p>\n This tradition has become one of our family’s favorite things about Christmas.<\/strong> \u00a0Does it take some extra planning and effort on my part, as the mom? \u00a0Of course. \u00a0But everything good about parenting requires intentionality. \u00a0The meaning of Christmas is certainly worth my efforts!<\/p>\n Bonus:<\/strong> These easy DIY Advent boxes actually don’t require a ton of time or work. \u00a0They are easy to make, easy to fill with small gifts, and oh-so-fun to open each day during the month of December!<\/p>\n Double Bonus:<\/strong> our kids actually get excited every morning to sit down together as a family and do our Advent reading! \u00a0That makes the time and effort more than worth it!<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”what are the four Sundays of advent?” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n In order, the four Sundays of Advent are observed as:<\/p>\n Aren’t these very words, in themselves, so beautiful?<\/strong> \u00a0Christmas is so much more meaningful when it is approached from a perspective and heart of hope, love, joy, and peace.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/IMG_7280-scaled.jpg” alt=”set of cubbies filled with deconstructed books and advent boxes with real-touch garland strung across the ” title_text=”IMG_7280″ admin_label=”IMG” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”750px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”how can we do advent at home?” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Do you celebrate Advent as a family?\u00a0 Or perhaps it is a special thing you do on your own?\u00a0 Whether you celebrate it in large or small ways, it can be a really meaningful time to keep your focus on true meaning of Christmas.<\/strong><\/p>\n For our family, things that are too complicated tend to just not happen at all<\/strong>.\u00a0 Or we start, with great intentions, but just can\u2019t keep it going during the entirety of the busy season.<\/p>\n So, here are 5 tips to celebrate Advent as a family:<\/strong><\/p>\n You can read all the details about how we incorporate these easy tips into our busy December month. \u00a0I have it all written out to hopefully help you! \u00a0Find the details on THIS post!<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”how can we do advent at home?” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n For our family, two specific things have made our Advent Christmas activities more meaningful as we celebrate together. \u00a0First of all, taking intentional time each day, even just 5 minutes, is something we really look forward to.<\/strong> \u00a0It isn’t always easy and requires some extra effort to make that happen each morning. \u00a0However, because everyone loves doing it, it is a tradition that we are all willing to make the effort for!<\/p>\n During that time, we read a special book. \u00a0THIS BOOK<\/a><\/strong><\/span> has become the second thing that has made our Advent so much more meaningful. \u00a0I highly recommend purchasing this for your family, no matter the ages<\/strong>. \u00a0It also makes a great gift for grandchildren, nieces and nephews, neighbors, and friends.<\/p>\n Truly, I cannot recommend “The Wonder of the Greatest Gift”<\/a><\/strong><\/span> enough to you. \u00a0The interactive tree and ornaments are beautiful and add a fun element. \u00a0The readings are meaningful, easy to read, and brief to allow you to make it happen every day during the season!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Table of Contents DRAFT” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/IMG_7279_jpg-scaled.jpg” alt=”view of small cardboard advent boxes styled in a cubby” title_text=”IMG_7279_jpg” admin_label=”IMG” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”750px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”BLOG TITLE” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”intro” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Our favorite DIY Advent idea was actually born out of my realization that my vintage French postal sorter had over 25 holes. \u00a0I was thinking how I could decorate it for Christmas and thought that it could make a really fun Advent calendar display and include sweet treats and tiny toys too.<\/p>\n I\u2019ll be honest that I wasn\u2019t trying to be overly spiritual or even had grand expectations that it could work.<\/strong> \u00a0I just wanted some way for us to try and be more intentional about celebrating Advent as a family.<\/p>\n It seemed like a statement display with fun little family gifts might be a way to help get everyone on board. \u00a0At the same time, it could be a way to make sure we actually stopped to spend these few minutes together<\/strong> each day to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.<\/p>\n Our own DIY advent calendar has ended up being a wonderful tradition for our family. \u00a0Our children look forward to it every year and down the road, I already plan to make DIY Christmas Advent boxes for our children to take with them when they leave home. \u00a0(Not that I’m anxious for that to happen. Thankfully, we have a few more years!<\/strong>)<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”making the boxes” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n There are a lot of different ways that you could create your own easy DIY Advent boxes to use with your family. \u00a0I came up with this idea based on the space I had to display it and fun treats I wanted to use. \u00a0However, you do not need a large cubby to enjoy a fun tradition!<\/p>\n You could line your boxes up on a shelf or console table.<\/strong> \u00a0Try incorporating them into Christmas decor on a bookshelf! \u00a0These boxes could even make a great display in a playroom space or on a mantel and hold perfect Advent calendar fillers!<\/p>\n Here’s how we made our boxes:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/IMG_7283_jpg-scaled.jpg” alt=”close up of small cardboard boxes numbered for advent” title_text=”IMG_7283_jpg” admin_label=”IMG” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”750px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”materials to make Adventboxes” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/IMG_7278_jpg-scaled.jpg” alt=”close up of an advent box numbered 25 for Christmas Day” title_text=”IMG_7278_jpg” admin_label=”IMG” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”750px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”what to put in advent boxes – ” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n (The craft store and dollar store has lots of fun and creative options for Advent calendar gifts<\/strong>, so just shop around! One year I found mini Uno games that were the perfect size for small presents!)[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/IMG_7286-scaled.jpg” alt=”view of sitting room with Christmas decor and a white cubby with advent boxes” title_text=”IMG_7286″ admin_label=”IMG” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”750px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”how to decorate advent boxes” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n There are lots of ideas and many ways to style and decorate your easy DIY Christmas Advent boxes! \u00a0Since my postal sorter has more than 25 cubbies, I put some old books in a few for some extra texture<\/strong> and then leave others empty.<\/p>\n On the top of the postal sorter, I add a simple Christmas touch with this realistic winter cedar garland<\/a><\/strong><\/span>. \u00a0I love how it falls so naturally and looks so pretty in this space! \u00a0It really does look SO REAL!<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n If you are lining your DIY Advent boxes on a shelf, try giving some variety in the heights. \u00a0Vintage, thrifted books work great for that. \u00a0Also, you can add some touches of your Christmas colors with the books. \u00a0At the same time, you can also use neutral books or turn the spines around so that the neutral pages show.<\/p>\n Tuck in some bits of small Christmas greenery stems<\/a><\/strong><\/span> or even a few small bells, like these<\/a><\/strong><\/span>, for a festive touch!<\/p>\n Pro Tip: Visit your local Christmas tree stand and ask if you can pick up some of the cuttings off the ground. \u00a0They always give them to me for free and you can’t beat free decor!<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”other ways to celebrate Advent” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n There are so many ways to celebrate Advent with your family. \u00a0To me, the most important part is setting aside intentional time to do so<\/strong>. \u00a0Otherwise, to be honest, the busy activities and rush of the season can leave us breathless and empty when it’s all said and done. \u00a0The point of celebrating Advent is not a Pinterest-worthy performance. \u00a0Rather, it is a simple, intentional act of reflecting on the true meaning of Christmas time.<\/p>\n Here are 5 other ways that I think are both fun and meaningful to celebrate Advent as a family:<\/p>\n On Christmas morning, make a big deal about opening the final gift of your homemade advent calendar together. The daily surprises can culminate with something extra special, like a family gift or even a trip!<\/strong>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/IMG_7280-scaled.jpg” alt=”advent boxes in a white cubby with a Christmas garland” title_text=”IMG_7280″ admin_label=”IMG” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”750px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”wrap up” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The great news is that Advent is about reflection and relationship. \u00a0You can celebrate Advent as elaborately or as simply as you want to do with your family. \u00a0At the same time, you can celebrate in a fun way with little gifts or look for completely free ways to recognize the season with a personal touch.<\/p>\n Advent is all about reflecting on preparing our hearts and homes for Jesus. \u00a0That is truly the best part of all.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Traditional Advent calendar preparation won’t look the same for each family, nor should it, necessarily. \u00a0I hope that this post gives you some creative ideas with different things to try.<\/strong> \u00a0If you’ve never celebrated Advent, it’s not too late to start. \u00a0In fact, there are some simple and easy ideas here to help you get started with everyone from little kids to older kids and even adults.<\/p>\n However, if your family does celebrate Advent together already, I hope this post simply inspires you to keep doing what you do! \u00a0Mix it up, add some fun, or keep it the same<\/strong>. \u00a0Traditions are a great idea as well as a beautiful gift. \u00a0I hope this inspires you to find one that you can stick to next year and every year after!<\/p>\n Most of all, I hope this post gives you a moment to pause and consider how you will prepare your own heart and home for Christmas during this amazing season!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”other posts to enjoy” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nWhy do we celebrate the Advent?<\/em><\/h3>\n
What are the four Sundays of Advent?<\/em><\/h3>\n
\n
How can we do Advent at home?<\/i><\/h3>\n
\n
How do we celebrate Advent meaningfully?<\/em><\/h3>\n
How to Make Easy DIY Advent Boxes for a Special Family Christmas<\/strong><\/h2>\n
How We Make Our DIY Advent Boxes<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Materials Needed for Easy DIY Advent Christmas boxes:<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n
Ideas for Gifts to Put in the Easy DIY Christmas Advent Boxes:<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Non-gift Advent Calendar Filler Ideas and Activity Ideas:<\/em><\/h4>\n
\n
Small gift ideas<\/em><\/h4>\n
\n
\n<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\nHow to Decorate Advent Boxes<\/strong><\/h3>\n
What are 5 different ways to celebrate Advent?<\/em><\/h3>\n
\n
What should YOU do during Advent?<\/em><\/h3>\n
If you enjoyed this Advent post, you may also be inspired by:<\/em><\/h3>\n
\n