My Advent Calendar

For the last few years I have been meaning to make an advent calendar and this year I finally got around to making it. I have to confess that I didn't really think it through so only started making it at the beginning of December when really it needed to be finished by the 1st ready to use!

For the past few years I have struggled to find the Christmas spirit as having Christmas in the middle of summer still doesn't feel like a proper Christmas to me so I thought that I would add a small Christmas activity to each day to try to make December feel more Christmassy. For days when we were both working and busy I added a small thing and for days off I put in days out. Here are my list of events:
Sun 1st Dec
The holiday season has arrived but its not to christmassy here inside so how about you and me put on some carols and put up the tree. 

Mon 2nd Dec:
Its true we've got no place to go so why don't we let it snow! It may be summer here in Australia but we can decorate with snowflake paraphernalia. - Lets make paper snowflakes and hang them in the window 

Tue 3rd Dec:
Now that the snow is alright its time for a snowball fight! - make pom pom snowflakes and snow out of cornflour and shaving cream

Wed 4th Dec: 
Meet me under the mistletoe for a merry kissmas. To ensure its a chap-free new year then use the lipbalm stuck in here! (Ii added a Santa lipbalm in this pocket)

Thur 5th Dec:
It may be the Christmas season but havent you heard? Tonight Grease is the Word (This was the night we went to see Grease)

Fri 6 Dec:
Lets go today to watch a special Christmas play. This ones a (Nut)cracker! (This was the day we went to Babies Proms: The Nutcracker)

Sat 7th Dec:
Its the season we're feeling groovy that snuggle up tonight and watch a Christmas movie! Here is a list its your pick! (I added a list of Christmas movies to this pocket)

Sun 8th Dec:
Como Christmas Market, 9am – 2pm , Como School

Mon 9th Dec:
You need a little pampering so after I get home tonight be prepared for a little bubbly and some quality time with me!  (I added a Lush snowman bath bomb to this pocket)

Tue 10th Dec:
Its early to have a present to unwrap but this one will make you a happy chap! (This one involved a night in and some Christmas themed lingerie)

Wed 11th Dec:
Bake Christmas cookies (My recipe is on the blog here)

Thur 12th Dec:
Today its baking of a different kind. These cinnamon decorations will smell divine! (For recipes to make cinnamon decorations click here)

Fri 13 Dec: 
Krav Christmas Party, The Tipple Bar

Sat 14th Dec:
Time for a sing song after dark, light a candle and join me for Oatley carols in the park – 6.30pm, Oatley Memorial Gardens

Sun 15th Dec:
Walk around city Christmas trees and David Jones Windows
Begin at beautiful St Mary’s Cathedral, where you can watch stunning projected images and soak up the Christmas atmosphere (8 December – 25 December 8pm till late)
Stroll through Hyde Park past our bejeweled tree and onto Elizabeth Street to view the famous David Jones Christmas windows
Continue down to Pitt Street Mall and onto Martin Place to see the brand-new interactive tree where your Christmas messages can be displayed on its branches
Walk back up George Street and through the historic arches of the Queen Victoria Building and stop in front of Sydney Town Hall to see the façade come alive with light projections
Turn the corner into Sydney Square where the animated light projections will be accompanied by music and live performance bringing to life our favourite Christmas tales
Then to Darling Harbour and experience SantaFest, with giant inflatable Santas on key buildings, and a sparkling Christmas tree (30 November – 25 December).

Mon 16 Dec: 
Its time to spread some Christmas cheer with our Christmas card photo for this year (We set up our own photoshoot  at home to take the photo for our Christmas card. I will share the results with you soon) 

Tuesday 17th Dec:
Our Christmas photo came out delightfully we should send out Christmas cards out rightfully! (we posted out cards from moonpig) 

Wed 18 Dec:
Sydney’s First Christmas Artisan Food Market, Hyde Park Barracks, 4pm - 9pm, Gold coin entry

Thur 19th Dec:
How about we use or nouse to build the best gingerbread house!

Fri 20th Dec: 
Frozen at Moonlight Cinema - $18 each – 8.30pm - Belvedere Amphitheatre, Centennial Park

Sat 21st Dec:
Tonight is the night for some reindeer games! Meet me for a Christmas date night! (Here is the Rein dear Games date)

Sun 22nd Dec:
Carols in the Domain – 8pm – FREE

Mon 23rd Dec:
To help us feel fine this Christmastime its time to make some mulled wine! Bring this package to the kitchen with you later! (I added a little ziplock bag to this pocket with all the spices needed for mulled wine)

Tue 24th  Dec:
Go out for lunch with family at the pub
Watch Christmas movies with mulled wine and mince tarts
Royal Variety Performance hosted by John Bishop – 7.30 ABC 1

As for the calendar itself I cut out 24 pockets from red and white felt and added a different Christmas motif to each (some corresponding to the activity planned for that day) and then sewed them onto a piece of red cotton fabric and added a dowel through the top to hang it up. I used this tutorial on  Better Home and Gardens as a guide and I have to say I'm pretty happy with the result.