Well the Advent Calendar is up and running, a bit last minute but it’s there! I made this when James was about 2 years old, I used to find a present that would divide into 24 pieces so by Christmas they had a new toy or they had made something, mecano kits worked well, first page of instructions and tools on the first day…playmobile was good too as there are lots of little pieces! It got more difficult once they got older so now I do resort to chocolate!

The calendar was a pre-printed length of fabric with instructions on stitching all the pockets on. I then hand quilted round the main features such as the door and the children. Loops on the top make it easier to hang.

It’s rather nice to think this has been coming out every Christmas for the last 18 years! I love Advent traditions and the gradual build up to Christmas, we also have a little wooden tree that happens to have 24 decorations, we usually have an Advent candle, I did buy one, I’m sure I did, several weeks ago…I put it somewhere safe….