Celebrate the Countdown to Christmas with an Advent Book Calendar

9:58 AM


Brown paper packages tied up with strings, yes that is a lyric from a song, but it was also the inspiration for an advent calendar idea. We have never done an advent calendar. I have always seen them and wanted to, but then the idea of having little tiny things like Lego pieces that would just get lost or go unused wasn't very appealing. That is when I started to think about how we could countdown to Christmas, have family time together and give the kids something they could use over and over again. This led to the creation of our book advent calendar.


Basically, I took brown craft paper and wrapped up 20 books. Then, I wrapped the packages with twine, wrote a Christmas countdown number on the package and placed it under the tree. I started with some fun family books like an "I Spy" book, and as the countdown numbers got lower I used all Christmas related books. The last book, which we will open on Christmas Eve is a nativity story book to celebrate the true meaning of the holiday.


So far, the boys love this. They get to open a present from under the tree each day and then we get some family time together as I read the books to them each night. Yes, even my 12 and 10 year old still love to be read to. It is also inexpensive. The books were all purchased from the local thrift store for $.25, so we got a great advent calendar and family memories for about $5.

Do you have a unique advent calendar or Christmas countdown tradition in your home?

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Kathleen is a homeschooling mom of four boys with a serious case of the Wanderlust bug. Her love of travel extends to her children, and has resulted in the family visiting 48 states to date, and traveling nearly a third of the year. She is the owner of LifeWith4Boys.com where you will find information on Family Travel, recipes, reviews, lifestyle and more.

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21 comments

  1. shellyDecember 6, 2012 at 10:03 AM

    Wow! $.25 a book? What an awesome deal! I love this idea for Advent.

    http://www.atticgirl.com

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  2. KathleenDecember 6, 2012 at 10:16 AM

    Yes Shelly, it is the only place I have found that is that affordable though. Goodwill wanted $3.99 a book, so I went elsewhere LOL.

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  3. Penelope (NYC Blogger)December 6, 2012 at 11:37 AM

    We never did this but I see the "countdown" idea everywhere and I really want to do it!

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  4. PiperDecember 6, 2012 at 12:34 PM

    Great idea!! We have a local used bookstore and they have children's books as low as .50!! And they also buy books! I will have to run over there!

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  5. MaryannDecember 6, 2012 at 1:06 PM

    cute idea, but my boys wanted the Lego calendars. we love them.

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  6. KathleenDecember 6, 2012 at 1:42 PM

    My boys love Legos too Maryann, but then I would have had to buy four of the calendars and that was just too much. This way, they can all share the books and we can have some time together. :)

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  7. AlisonDecember 6, 2012 at 3:44 PM

    What a great idea I love it! I just get the Star Wars Legos Advent Calender LOL.

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  8. Tammy SDecember 7, 2012 at 6:45 AM

    This is a fantastic idea! I love how inexpensive it is. Plus I love how you get some great family time each night.

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  9. Elaina (A Time Out for Mommy)December 7, 2012 at 11:44 AM

    What a great idea!

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  10. ElenaDecember 7, 2012 at 12:16 PM

    What a cool idea! I love your Christmas tree, looks very nice

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  11. CourtneyDecember 7, 2012 at 6:23 PM

    Wow what a deal. LOVE your tree and your kiddos are too cute!

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  12. HilLesha O'NanDecember 8, 2012 at 1:37 PM

    Wonderful ideas, and what a gorgeous tree!

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  13. Lolo @ Crazy About My BaybahDecember 8, 2012 at 7:12 PM

    That is a great idea. I am going to have to remember it for next year.

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  14. Colleen (Shibley Smiles)December 8, 2012 at 11:06 PM

    That is an AWESOME idea I love it!

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  15. Inspirational Sayings About LifeDecember 9, 2012 at 9:53 AM

    This is a great idea, very creative. I plan on trying it next year!

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  16. MellisaDecember 9, 2012 at 10:04 AM

    That is such a great idea!!! I might try something like this starting next week.

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  17. Kelly @ A Girl Worth SavingDecember 9, 2012 at 3:16 PM

    This is such an awesome idea. I'm going to have to do this next year.

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  18. AnonymousDecember 9, 2012 at 4:31 PM

    what a great idea never thought of doing this

    jennifer marie

    lilnursejen at yahoo dot com

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  19. Simply Being MommyDecember 9, 2012 at 7:33 PM

    That is an awesome idea and a great way to add to the book collection.

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  20. Jenn@Sweet T Makes ThreeDecember 10, 2012 at 12:28 PM

    Great idea! Thanks for the inspiration.

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  21. Marcie W.December 10, 2012 at 7:22 PM

    What a super fun advent idea! I might copy this for my own kiddos next season.

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