Advent Calendar Tutorial
Learn how to make a felt advent calendar that incorporates Scripture. Perfect for toddlers, kids, and families, this advent calendar shares the true story of Christmas!
No, you did not read that wrong… I have a tutorial for you.
An Advent tutorial for you…
In January.
Let me explain. I shared my favorite Christmas tradition ever in December, and I had a wonderful response. Multiple readers wanted a full tutorial and even mentioned making some as gifts for family members to use next year. Next year… which, of course, is now this year. And, if you’re like me, you may need some time to get it together and make one.
I would hate to share this next November and have anyone feel like she didn’t have enough time to finish it because it. is. that. good. Truly. This is no genius of mine, I promise. In fact, I wouldn’t even consider felt stories to be “my style” – if you will.
But when my first child was two, I was determined to help him learn the real reason we celebrate Christmas. To remind him that Christmas is about SO much more than presents and Santa Clause… and I stumbled across this Advent Calendar from Heart Felt Truths. It was the first one I had found that was adaptable to a toddler.
I tweaked a few things and rewrote much of the text to include more Scripture… but essentially, the concept stayed the same: Christmas is about Jesus.
My two year old not only learned that, but he absorbed so many details of the Christmas story… We used it again this past year (with my now-3-year-old and 1-year-old), and it was still a roaring success. I have included everything you need (except felt, scissors, and hot glue!) in the following documents.
Advent Calendar Instructions + Story
So have a little fun. Make the count-down pockets…
Create the little figurines…
But please, handle with care. These are precious opportunities.
Rachel. Can I tell you how much I love this?! Like, LOVE. I absolutely can’t wait to use it next Christmas. And I’m so glad you posted it now, because it will totally take me that long to get it ready!
Yay! That makes me so glad to hear, Samantha. 🙂 Glad you’re excited about it… and glad I’m not the only one who needs 10 months to make things like this happen! 😉
Rachel, Our family has enjoyed a cloth Advent calendar (a tree from Hallmark) for YEARS! They kids are now in college and still enjoy adding each day’s ornament when they’re home. I decided I’d try to make one for several of our young family members and haven’t put ours away yet, thinking I need to draw out the pattern to get started. Your patterns are wonderful and I may just decide to use them instead! Thanks for sharing!
You are so welcome, Zenda! I’m so glad you like them, and I hope your family enjoys them thoroughly!! Have a great day. 🙂
Yay!! Thank you! I may tweak the scriptures/order just a bit to better fit the calendar we already have, but this provides such an awesome starting point for me. You are so creative!
You are so welcome, Kathryn! I’m so glad you find this helpful!! Take care and enjoy it next Christmas. 🙂
This is wonderful! One of the best Advents I’ve seen…
That is so kind, Kelly. Thank you!