The tree didn’t go up before Thanksgiving.  My heart was all in, but my energy not so much.  Last week we had a full house, full hearts, and full bellies and I figured getting the tree up right after company left might be a good idea . . . because then I could just chill.  I’ve convinced myself that this Christmas I will chill like the icicles that hang outside my window.  “I will enjoy all of it!”  I’m having conversations with myself about why there isn’t really anything to stress over because it always gets done.  And, then it is done.  But, I wonder, is it ever really not stressful when you have a lot of children?  Because it is inevitable that there are plays, activities, festivities and lots of presents to plan for and purchase.  “Maybe if I started in July,” I tell myself.  And, I reply with a laugh and a, “yeah right.”  So I tell me, the best way to do this joyfully and stress free is one day at a time.

And, today, it’s advent calendars.  Mine is

The tree didn’t go up before Thanksgiving. My heart was all in, but my energy not so much. Last week we had a full house, full hearts, and full bellies and I figured getting the tree up right after company left might be a good idea . . . because then I could just chill. I’ve convinced myself that this Christmas I will chill like the icicles that hang outside my window. “I will enjoy all of it!” I’m having conversations with myself about why there isn’t really anything to stress over because it always gets done. And, then it is done. But, I wonder, is it ever really not stressful when you have a lot of children? Because it is inevitable that there are plays, activities, festivities and lots of presents to plan for and purchase. “Maybe if I started in July,” I tell myself. And, I reply with a laugh and a, “yeah right.” So I tell me, the best way to do this joyfully and stress free is one day at a time.

And, today, it’s advent calendars. Mine is

empty at the moment and probably won’t be filled completely until tomorrow.  I love making advent calendars.  Or maybe it’s the idea of making them, that I really love.  Anyhow, a few years back I made a taped up Christmas tree with brown paper bags and washi tape… It took no time.  Last year, I bought a banner advent calendar with pouches to fill from The Land of Nod.  It’s not homemade, but I also love having holiday pieces you pull out every year.  They are memorable and stick tight in your mind just like gum in toddler’s hair.

If you were wanting to do an Advent calendar and are always pushing it to the last minute, like me, here are a few last minute ideas that I thought were super cute.  And who cares if you start one or two or three days late.  I did that the other year too.  No one remembers, but me.

1 / Envelopes or paper on a string (shown above).  I love this minimilistic look all clumped in Advent chaos.  You could write an Bible verse on the other side of the paper or put a little treat in the envelope.

2 / Modern tree branch with ornaments.  This branch was made, but you could always go and pull one from the yard.  Garnish with a few cutsie ornaments dangling from colorful string and each day, as you count down, add the ornament to your Christmas tree.

3 / Nordic Advent calendar.  If you are a crafter, then I love this one.  How pretty are the stringed wooden beads holding the little boxes that are simply stamped with numbers?

4 / Last minute Advent calendar.  Ok, this one is my favorite.  Probably because it is a truly last minute kind of advent calendar.  All it takes is brown bags and washi tape.  And, look how pretty.  This is for you if you are still wanting to have an advent calendar!

As for me, I’m off to the grocery store to re-stock my fridge from company and to find a few Advent treats.

Images : Mode / Julie Blanner /  Macarena Gea / Sugar Lander