The Countdown Has Begun

I really like advent calendars.  I am always looking for new ones that I can make and add to my collection.  I should seriously look for new ones months in advance.  But like so many things, December creeps up on me and I barely have time to finish the newest addition of my advent collection.  This year was no exception.  I finished this first advent tonight.  Just in time to begin filling it.

This is the calendar filled.  Each figure is added to the hanging daily.  The last day baby Jesus is added to complete it. I love love love this one.  Not only it is an advent, but it is also a nativity.  There are only so many places you can put a nativity and I love that this one hangs on the wall.

Razy showing you how the calendar works.

These calendars were made by JBody's step mom.  They are made from fabric with pieces of yarn to tie a little treat onto.  Some of the treats have meaning, others are just for fun.  The last day there is a not that JBody and I leave for the kids to let them know we love them.  I still need to place the notes, but the rest is complete.

Haha I just realized I put the picture upside down.  Oops sorry.

I bought this one last year from costco.  On each of the buildings are little doors that you can put a treat or note in.  I am using the village this year for our evening scripture/devotional time.  Inside each door is a scripture or story and a song.  Every scripture/story has to do with the birth of our Savior or about service and love.  There is a song to go along with each of the scripture/stories. 

Every year we make a chain calendar with the kids.  Tonight we made them and got them up.  We still need to add the fun dates that take place before Christmas (ie JBody's Birthday, Papa's Birthday, Joseph Smith's Birthday, Christmas Eve, ect)

This calendar is another favorite.  It is a magnetic calendar.  I have seen others take one of the items off each day, but I like to add them.  The first is a picture of what it looks like today.  The bottom is a picture of what it will look like on Christmas.