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Christmas Storybook Advent

December 1, 2015

Storybook Advent (blog) (17 of 39)Let the countdown to Christmas, commence! That being said, there’s still time (it’s fairly simple to throw together) or pin for safe keeping for next year. Either way, it’s a must-do if you love reading Christmas books with your little ones. The concept can easily be altered for various renditions. Some ideas might be: stuff with sweet sentiments that family members write about each other, a fun activity to share together each day, a person’s name or organization to be of service to for that day, the list goes on… But for this year, it’s Christmas storybooks!
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Being a lover of children’s literature (the 1st grade teacher, in me, I suppose), we’ve been collecting Christmas books for years and have slowly gathered enough to make this little storybook advent calendar, a dream come true! When selecting books, I take into consideration a number of factors. Like, Ryan’s Italian heritage — The Legend of Old Befana. Or tender lessons, such as those taught in Christmas Day in the Morning. And of course beautiful illustations and interactive elements for extra magic — The Reindeer WishGingerbread Friends, and The Jolly Christmas Postman!

It’s hard to stick to reading just ONE story each night. So, we are reading, A Christmas Carol, little by little throughout the entire month, as well!

Oh and few more tips: the boxes are matchboxes (matches removed, of course), covered in Trader Joe’s shopping bags, adorned with baker’s twine and washi tape, and hung on a fresh pine bough (one that we snipped from the lowest part of our christmas tree).

Welcome, December!

  • Laura December 2, 2015 at 6:23 pm

    Amazzzzing!!!

  • Rachel December 2, 2015 at 6:24 pm

    Thank you for putting together your favorite things! You make life so fun! Btw I used your Black Friday list to score some super cute gifts!! Great taste!

  • Heather December 2, 2015 at 6:26 pm

    Wow! I love this! I saw some matchboxes at our local hardware store… A huge pack for a few bucks! Doing this today!

  • Becki December 2, 2015 at 6:27 pm

    Trader Joes needs to see this!! Such a clever use!

  • Brittany @ LemonLimeLife December 2, 2015 at 7:00 pm

    Love this! I’m going to borrow this idea to use for our stockings. Our apartment doesn’t have a mantel/fireplace and I needed some inspiration on how to hang them! Thanks for sharing as always. xoxo

  • Debbie December 2, 2015 at 7:24 pm

    Absolutely adorable! Such sweet memories you are making with your little ones. On a side note where did you find the red and black throw. It looks vintage & absolutely beautiful.

  • RuthAnne Strong December 2, 2015 at 10:17 pm

    So cute!! Absolutely love your blog and all your cute ideas!

  • Carrie @ Carrie's Creations December 2, 2015 at 10:57 pm

    So simple, yet such an amazing idea! Merry Christmas to your family 🙂

  • Anne December 3, 2015 at 5:20 am

    So fun- we are doing a storybook advent calendar this year too. (Yours is way cuter though ? I’m just using a knit mitten calendar I already had.) There’s a great podcast about this very thing today on The Read Aloud Revival. Totally worth a listen: http://amongstlovelythings.com/36/?utm_source=Sarah+Mackenzie&utm_campaign=0eead2d557-Advent_Podcast_Announcement12_1_2015&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_b876d3c04e-0eead2d557-284862589&mc_cid=0eead2d557&mc_eid=08c753386d

  • Natasha December 3, 2015 at 8:09 pm

    Such a sweet idea!

  • mary beth at MBZ interiors December 4, 2015 at 12:28 pm

    Oh my goodness, I made my own Advent Calendar this year but am forwarding this to my niece who has two little boys. I’m sure she’ll love to keep this idea for next year. I love your calendar hanging on the branch, perfect. Happy Weekend

  • Lauren December 4, 2015 at 2:25 pm

    I love this Missy! Thank you so much for sharing the most beautiful tidbits from your life. Its so inspiring and I always feel happier leaving your blog. I’m so glad you’ve been able to keep up with blogging with three babes – though I have no idea how!!

  • JOI December 4, 2015 at 5:06 pm

    Such a neat idea!!! You are so crafty!
    I’m going to steal your ideas and add them to my “how to be a fun mom” book <3
    xo
    thejoifullife.com

  • Jessica December 5, 2015 at 1:27 am

    Hi Missy,
    Your list of Christmas books is wonderful. You might also want to look at Closing the Book on Santa Claus by Ron Chandler. It is about a father who tries to save his daughter’s holiday celebration after it is cancelled at her school. He organizes a rally at city hall, but unexpected calamity prevails. Both of our children really enjoyed it.

  • Jenedy December 6, 2015 at 9:58 pm

    The matchbox idea is brilliant!