This is probably only the second time that I've ever done an Advent calendar for my girls. This year, I decided I definitely wanted to create one that not only gave my girls a small treat each day, but helped them to remember what the Christmas season is all about.
I have had this extra large frame for a few years now, and the last couple of Christmases, it was where I would hang all of the Christmas cards we received. This year, it is housing our treat bag advent calendar. I ordered these treat bags from Jane.com (which is one of those daily deals sites. They have party and craft supplies often.)
I used a Cricut to cut out the gift tags and numbers from scrapbook paper. I love how they turned out, and they are sturdy enough that I should be able to use them again next year. Also, I painted and glittered small clothespins that I found in the craft section at Wal-Mart. They were the perfect size to hold each treat bag.
I filled each bag with some candy and either scripture or something for us to do, including giving to others. I want them to get that Christmas isn't all about them or about getting, but it's about Christ and giving. I didn't type out each verse because my girls are old enough to look the scripture up themselves. I decided to use the time for them to practice looking up scripture. I tried to equally divide the scripture days with activity days, and had my calendar ready when I stuffed the bags to make sure the activity days weren't busy days for us.
Below, I have included a free printable of the scripture and activities that I used. Feel free to download and print so you can include in your own advent calendar. (I just printed, cut into strips, and folded to put into each bag.)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzG4wo3wtWBstG0FRjmfqe-J3FGrcwLV8TsBeguTfmQUwiNI8RrWoc01oUjUgs4rX8BUuYOo2fWzYn4snrXXngHks-dOStRKF1DXJ52_SUtkdK86meUvLJE_CU8pgXkQFYEQiwKuZpMsk/s1600/advent1.jpg) |
To download and print, click HERE. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSibQ-dEuLndS6g4WfUDHL0Aaat7VPtGtBl3DeZ9vwZw-bRwbnU1JmFNIu3QKVWT73ShP0q6WAlHDv4UCblJuHIC_Avz6TYloYX4675O_dDLj9KWTH7e7X-qDpVnwwIZQJH5UGctdc0KY/s1600/advent2.jpg) |
To download and print, click HERE. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Ge_LnN-dCBBHjCfE6UvZsvxouCz5MAtJ-Xh_zyAqjmNxANEaiKmiNJmpiOrAzt4cXZU1nugAKV3zYsyxN2xYN8Z7Q1r8n2N93-vMjpRo-iH254s7eHwQlEGLv-iP2BCrPdIIi6pE-WU/s1600/advent3.jpg) |
To download and print, click HERE. |