Handmade Advent Calendar Idea from Cathe Holden

Over Thanksgiving weekend, I pulled out a book that I snatched up at a shop somewhere in my travels as a sales rep called “The Book of New Family Traditions.” It is filled with ideas, old and new, for how to bring more meaning and ceremony into our daily and seasonal lives.  Flipping through the myriad of clever ideas for every holiday and circumstance you can think of, I am particularly taken by the section on Advent calendars.  Each year, we struggle to put more meaning into the holidays for our children, and I feel like we manage to come up short in the last minute scramble to find every fun new toy or gadget on “the List.”  I feel like the right nightly commemoration of Advent might help us to slow down and focus on enjoying the season for all of its rich meaning and family tradition.

While I am still struggling to find that perfect family countown (better hurry!), I did have an “ah-ha” moment regarding how I can mark the days at Hello Bluebird!  This season, I plan to post one fabulous handmade item from the shop every day until Christmas Eve!  If you purchase an item from that artist in the shop on that day, I’ll gift you with 5% off–because, at this time of year, every little bit helps!

The best part for me is that, while we count down the shopping days, I get to count my blessings.  It is such a joy and reward to be surrounded daily by such amazing talent and support.  Honestly, my own “List” is pretty short this year: I have every thing I could want.

(PS–Love the spool idea above? Learn how to make one here!)