When you're working to create some crafts that look rustic and homely, you can't beat a bit of wood! The great thing about would, especially during this Christmas season, is that it just needs a little bit of dressing up and you've automatically got something pretty festive.

And while it's a bit too late to create an advent calendar, we can undertake some wooden craft ideas that don't just get the whole family involved and make your home look a bit quaint, you can get it done for very cheap! Let's give you some suggestions.

Image

A Rustic Piece Of Art

It's not like we're all artistic geniuses, so we could take advantage of the various wood we have at our disposal that's not being used and turn it into some DIY art. Really all you need is a few planks of wood and a bit of vinyl and you can create a nice centrepiece for your rustic kitchen.

Vinyl is a lovely way for you to add some gloss to rough and ready wood. If you haven't got a vinyl cutting machine to help you, on vinylcuttingmachineguide.com there is a selection for you to peruse.

To make a piece of art look rustic, yet elegant, is quite a challenge, but with any random plank of wood, all you need is a bit of vinyl and the ability to cut out letters, and you have a ready-made signpost.

Spell It With Letters

Parts of many people's bedrooms are now adorned with the first letter of the proprietor's name, which looks like a stylish addition, but they can be very expensive! What's the solution? You make your own! If you have the time, you can stick a few wooden pallets together to make an almighty letter, which can take pride of place in the bedroom or as a talking point in the hallway.

The great thing is that you can use pretty much any bit of wood lying around, but there are some pieces of wood that fare better than others. On dwell.com there is a guide on how to identify certain bits of wood, so if you are venturing out to get some random bits lying around, make sure you know how to pick some good quality ones.

Something For The Kids

It used to be something that was quite classy, then handmade ornaments and toys fell out of favour, to be replaced with cheap plastic toys that children can break in two seconds. But now, the classic carved toys have come back into favour. It can take a bit more time, but the great thing about carved horses, dolls, pretty much anything you can think of, is that they aren't as easy to break.

In theory, this means they would last a long time, just as long as they're looked after properly. And even if they're not, they're still pretty sturdy!

As far as crafts are concerned, wood is something that exudes class and timelessness. And the great thing is whatever your skills are in wood carving, you can still create something that's worthy of hanging up in your home!

'This post was originally published in Nov 2017. It was updated in December 2018 to include updated information I wanted to share with you.'
​(Yep... affiliate links are included which means, if you buy through me, I get some coffee money ... though not enough for the raisin toast as well. Full disclosure listed below.)

​Easy ways to make an Advent Calendar part of your Christmas tradition

Counting down to Christmas is always so much fun.. especially for kids. And an Advent Calendar really helps to make that lead-up time to Christmas more tangible, more comprehensible. It also means that you don't have to answer the ongoing question, "How long until Christmas? When can we unwrap all the presents?"

Why use an Advent calendar?

Sure, an advent calendar looks great as part of your festive decorations as you gradually add, day by day, to the finished calendar. It can add to the Christmas fun. Although there are many calendars with Superhero, Princess or Lego themes, Advent calendars can be found that will keep the focus of Christmas on the birth of the Saviour. And, depending on your choice of calendar, it can help your kids focus on the joy of giving and serving others, too. But these are more difficult to find that you might imagine.

What do I need to consider when choosing an advent calendar?
​
Well, there are plenty of commercially prepared advent calendars. Some would make lovely gift ideas for friends or family. Some commercially prepared advent calendars present small gifts for each day leading up to Christmas. Some are simple thin boxes with perforated windows with a hidden recess for a small chocolate for each day leading up to Christmas. Others are books with windows or flaps to reveal something of the nativity story as Christmas approaches.

Create a family tradition- your own advent calendar

But an advent calendar is even more meaningful if you can make it yourself and personalise it as a family legacy. The treats and activities created for and added to your advent calendar can revolve around the interests,  activities and favourite choices of your family.

And you can create variations for each year.

​So, here are a number of such suggestions listed below that you might like to consider. There are 5 selections listed below. But we begin with a bonus calendar ready to download, print and create. There is also a FREE dainty decoration design to print and use on your own tree. Find it following the article.

Then you'll discover:
1. O Holy Night Advent calendar- gradually create your own nativity scene as you countdown to Christmas. 
​2. Share the Love Advent Calendar- count down to Christmas with simple ideas to share the joy of the season with others.
3. Advent Puzzle Calendar- download and print the pieces that must be assembled day by day to create a finished picture. Find the details below.
4. An Illustrated Advent Calendar- download and print this calendar of illustrations to colour, games and activities
5. The Wonder of the Greatest Gift- this beautiful pop-up book and advent calendar will become a real family treasure. 'This is an heirloom,  a Christmas tradition, a wonder for the child in all of us!' (I've bought 2 copies of this book for families of my younger grandkids. They love it!)

Find these and more below....

The Dainty Bauble Advent Calendar

This calendar (find the link for this advent calendar below) is easy to print and create. Check out the simple directions below. Use the back of the decoration to either: a. write a Scripture verse on the reverse b.include a fun activity c. provide instructions or clues to find a hidden treat or d. include all ideas.

You might decide to just attach a small wrapped chocolate or treat to the reverse of the decoration. Or you may keep it simple and glue a second copy of the decoration to the reverse for extra strength and durability.

However you decide to personalise it, this advent calendar combines the elegance of the past with the  energy and minimalism of the future. It's sure to become a family treasure.

What you'll need:

*Download and print the files for the 25 decorations. (Print onto a good quality card. You might also want to consider a good parchment or linen textured card.)
*silver cording for the hanger and perhaps paper clips.
* double-sided tape and normal tape.
*small Christmas tree that will look attractive on the table or side table. 

Directions:

1. Download, print and cut out each of the 25 advent calendar decorations.
Use a good quality card and it looks even better if it has a light texture. Print and cut out a second copy if you intend to back each decoration with its twin. It means that it looks great even if the wind blows the decoration to reveal the back. Leave the back blank if you intend writing something on the back or attaching a small treat.

2. Cut a hole in each tab and thread a small piece of silver cord through the hole as the hanger. 

​3. Make a paper clip hanger if you'd prefer.
If you prefer to have a hanger that's a big more substantial (especially if your kids will be hanging the decorations) you might like to use a paper clip for each decoration. Just tape the paper clip on the back with the loop just visible above the rim of the decoration.

​Use a second copy of the decoration and attach on the back to cover the taped paper clip. I used double-sided tape. it's just a bit neater. Sometimes glue can cause the card to slightly buckle. Now slip a piece of thin cord through the loop of the paper clip as the hanger.

​4. Use the reverse side for a message or gift.
You don't have to add anything else but if you want, you can write a Scripture verse on the back or a clue to where to find the day's treat. You can also decide on a fun activity for each day: sing your favourite Christmas carol, go out for ice-cream, decorate a gingerbread cottage.. If you don't want to add that info on the back of the decoration, just use slips of paper with the activity or treat written on each piece. Pop all of the papers into a small bucket or container. Your kids can reach in and choose one each day to read and complete.

5. Create a special area for your Advent tree calendar
Set up your small tabletop Christmas tree and start adding one decoration each day leading up to Christmas Day. I found an inexpensive tree at Kmart for about $10. There was a lovely natural-looking bare tree at another store but it was expensive. I think you could make something similar with a good sized branch set into a pot of plaster of Paris. 
​
So.. that's about it.... pretty simple... and you can check out the summary slideshow below. 

Oh... and you can find also a FREE pair of Christmas decorations to download and print for your own Christmas tree. Normally, these vintage-inspired decorations would cost $4.95 but they're free for you to download, print and use. See below.

​Here are some more ideas that you might like to consider.

​
​1. O Holy Night Advent Calendar
​
FocusontheFamily has produced a free advent calendar, O Holy Night, plus instructions for an advent wreath. 
Download and print the calendar. Then highlight each day leading up to Christmas with a character from the nativity story plus a Scripture reading and devotion. Beginning December 3, your advent calendar builds a nativity scene with the daily characters from the advent calendar.

You'll also find a suggestion for creating an advent wreath to remind your family of God's never-ending faithfulness.

​2. Share the love advent calendar:
This resource from iMom focuses on building a legacy of giving with your family.

Each day you'll find sweet and selfless ideas to help your kids experience real Christmas joy through the spirit of giving.  

Advent Puzzle Calendar
This Christmas countdown is also a puzzle and provides a daily treat and activity idea. 

Download the printable calendar. Then use the instructions to create an advent calendar that must be assembled day-by-day to reveal a beautiful Christmas decor piece. On the back of each card, you'll hide a treat and an activity.

An Illustrated Advent for Families
This advent pack includes 5 weeks of family devotions that focus on a different carol each week.

There are 5 colouring pages that combine to tell the story of Jesus' birth and the advent calendar with fun family activities.

Instructions for creating and  illustrated advent wreath with paper candles complete the fun family advent pack.

'This is an heirloom,  a Christmas tradition, a wonder for the child in all of us!'

The Wonder of the Greatest Gift by Ann Voskamp is a beautiful pop-up book with 25 daily readings plus little decorations to hang on the pop-up tree. 'Read your daily love letter from The Greatest Story ever told, right from our genesis beginning to our King’s coming under Bethlehem’s star — so your people know the WHOLE GREATEST STORY, from Creation to His Coming, & how His love has always, always, always been coming for you!'

Disclosure: At Grandma's Place is committed to high standards of integrity and quality. I do not promote any brand I do not believe meets these standards, and I only promote brands I would purchase myself. If I don't love it, and don't think you'll love it, it won't appear on my blog.
​

(Yep... affiliate links are included which means, if you buy through me, I get some coffee money ... though not enough for the raisin toast as well. Full disclosure listed below.)

The season which runs between Thanksgiving and Christmas goes by all sorts of names, depending on where you live, who you talk to, and you probably even have your own name for it as well! If you haven’t yet been able to truly embrace the “reason for the season,” as some call it, you might want to give it some serious thought. 

Joining with others in giving back for the blessings that you have received is a great way to make it joyful and memorable for you as well. This is also a great opportunity to teach your kids about the real meaning of Christmas.

But just how do you do that? How do you give back without literally taking what you’ve received and handing it over to someone else? 

Thankfully, there are several ways you can give and receive the benefits of “giving back.”

Watch the short music clip below with your kids as a quick and fun reminder of what Christmas is really all about. And then, think through some of the following suggestions for spreading the real Light of Christmas within your own community.
​
Consider these ideas: 

1. VISIT A CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL

Kids who are sick need to know that they’re loved and cared for. You can give them that reassurance by spending time with them during this season of giving. 

Find out from your local children's hospital if they have a program which allows you to become a mentor to young patients. It may involve simple activities such as making play dates or reading  stories.  Other ways to  bring joy to those experiencing the fear, stress and uncertainly of hospitals could mean: helping families find their way to an appointment, providing a shoulder of support, entertaining kids at the bedside, becoming a cuddle carer to the very smallest hospital patients, supervising the play area and more..

Your visits will provide much-needed encouragement and bring some special joy into their day. ​
​

2. DONATE CASH, FOOD, CLOTHES, TOYS OR OTHER GIFTS. 

​Sometimes the most direct way to give is to donate cash or goods to a needy individual or organisation. Your contribution can make a meaningful difference in an individual’s life or a program’s ability to help the masses. 

There are many organisations that are desperate for donations especially at this time of year. Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal is just an example, organised by the Salvation Army.
​

​Operations Christmas Child is another popular option. It partners with churches and encourages families and individuals to fill a shoebox with gifts and needs for disadvantaged children overseas. It also encourages the children to be involved in The Greatest Journey- an evangelism and discipleship program.

You will probably find your local church has its own program, collecting and distributing donated  gifts and needed items to those who are struggling within the community and beyond.

It’s easy to embrace the season when you realise how much you are appreciated! ​​
​

3. ADOPT A PET 

​Taking an abandoned pet into your home is one of the most heartwarming things you’ll ever experience! Animals have such a direct way of showing gratitude by giving back unconditional love and loyalty. Animal refuges and the RSPCA often experience an influx of animals in the centres over the holiday period when people leave their pets while going away for the holidays so this is an excellent time to consider a pet.

You also might like to consider joining the volunteer guide dog development program. These dogs assist many people, young and old: guide dogs for those who are blind or vision impaired, assistance dogs for families of children with autism, and therapy dogs as companions to individuals living with a disability or disorder. Volunteers are always needed to  care for, nurture and assist in the development of the puppies and dogs. 
​

​4. COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS 

​Sometimes all it takes to embrace the season of giving is sincere appreciation of all the blessings you’ve received. Gratitude is not just a great attitude to develop, it's good for your health. When you take a moment to look at all you’ve received and achieved, you’ll realise that you have more than you imagined and can then feel free to share your wealth - financial and spiritual - with others. 

​Use this as an opportunity toteach your kids to be more thankful, too. 

5. SPEND PRECIOUS TIME WITH THOSE YOU LOVE 
​
Precious memories with family members and other loved ones are worth more than their weight in gold. 

It’s an awesome feeling to let those closest to you know how important they are to you. 

​That’s probably the best gift you’ll ever give them! ​

As you can see, the season of giving can really mean what you want it to mean. Embrace it by choosing your own special way to give back to others while giving thanks for all you’ve received.

Customise the season to fit your life and cater to the things that are really important to you.
​
Taking this approach enables you to get the most out of this season of giving, and also ensures that each year you can make new memories that you’ll cherish forever. Make this year a special year to remember by fully embracing the season of giving is a special way.


​

Disclosure: At Grandma's Place is committed to high standards of integrity and quality. I do not promote any brand I do not believe meets these standards, and I only promote brands I would purchase myself. If I don't love it, and don't think you'll love it, it won't appear on my blog.

Some of my little grandkids were outside chasing each other with water guns and squirters. What fun! What better way to handle the summer heat. I watched, sipping my coffee and laughing at the squeals of delight. So I was surprised when a soft, warm arm slipped around my neck.

"Nan," she said softly. "Sometimes I get in trouble cos the others say I'm not sharing. I try. But the others always want what I'm doing."

I put my arm around her for a big hug. "I know. I've been watching. You do a great job with all the little ones. But you're the biggest. They want to copy you.. they want to do exactly what you're doing even though they're not as big as you. It's not easy. Try and be patient with them. Just remember.. I'm very proud of you. I think you're doing a great job of looking after and playing well with your cousins."

She hugged me tight and I could feel her damp eyelashes flutter against my face.
"Thanks Nan," she whispered.. and then she was gone.

 

But children need to know that someone is ready to listen to them. In fact, there are plenty of  benefits for kids of someone active listening to them, things like: helping them feel valued, connected, validated and understood; building trust; helping them clarify their thoughts and feelings; helping them avoid conflict and misunderstandings. 

​Listening well to anyone is important and even more so for children. It means being willing to turn the television off, forgetting Facebook until later or ignoring the latest email notification to focus on a child. ​​

​It reminds me of a recent ad campaign. See below:

​So.. how can you listen well? What skills do you need that will encourage your grandkids to feel comfortable discussing anything, their worries, fears, struggles or achievements, with you? 
​

Guidelines for Good Listening Skills:

1. Be interested and attentive. Children can tell whether they have your attention by how you reply or, for that matter, don't reply. It involves looking at the speaker; getting down on eye level so that you can maintain eye-contact.      

2. Encourage talking. Some children need an invitation to start talking.  Children are more likely to share their ideas and feelings when others think them important. Ask questions to clarify all that they are saying and to draw them out. Quiet, introverted kids are often overlooked. Encourage your grandchild to talk away from anyone else so that they don't feel intimidated.

3. Listen patiently. People think faster than they speak. Children often take longer than adults to find the right word.  Listen as though you have plenty of time. Don't correct their grammar or use of language. When you listen to children, patience is a virtue.

4. Hear children out.  Avoid cutting them off before they have finished speaking.  It is easy to form an opinion or reject children's views before they finish what they have to say.  It may be difficult to listen respectfully and not correct misconceptions but respect their right to have and express their opinions. Reflect back your understanding of what's been said so that you are clear of what's been said. It  also demonstrates your desire to fully understand them.
​
5. Listen to non-verbal messages. Many messages children send are communicated non-verbally by their tone of voice, their facial expressions, their energy level, their posture, or changes in their behaviour patterns.  You can often tell more from the way a child says something than from what is said.  When a child comes in obviously upset, be sure to find a quiet time then or sometime later, to sit down with them and listen.. Good listening will often reduce tension and solve problems.

​Disclosure: At Grandma's Place is committed to high standards of integrity and quality. I do not promote any brand I do not believe meets these standards, and I only promote brands I would purchase myself. If I don't love it, and don't think you'll love it, it won't appear on my blog.

How do we manage to pry ourselves away from technology, so we can once again indulge in the simple tasks that offer us relaxation and enjoyment while helping us focus?


One way to keep it simple in our everyday dealings is to lower the bar of our own expectations.


No, maybe you're not going to be the next Martha Stewart or Pinterest Mom of the Year. Or, are you? Does it really matter is the full scheme of things?


If you do tend to be an overachiever, maybe "keeping it simple" really has to do with just allowing yourself some time to think and ponder.


For some people, simplicity might be about calming that urge to out-perform yourself, or to be and do everything to everyone. Maybe you need to say 'no' more frequently.

Take action
​
Well sure, we can all dream. It's fine to reflect on the reasons that all of us feel overwhelmed, especially at this time of year, and dream of the joy of simple moments in our lives. But we need to do more. It's even more important to act, to take some simple, practical steps to introduce simple joy in your life. And yes, you can do it!

After all,  a well-known quote reminds us that 'Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.'
If you don't initiate practical steps with a definite plan for simplifying your life, then your life will take control and continue to overwhelm. It's really not all that difficult.

Think about it. What types of activities do you relish in the name of keeping it simple? Take a couple of moments to write down the simple things that you could do, one small thing each day, that will ground your spirit and bring you joy. Make a list of possibilities. 

5. Love to read? Reading is a simple thing you can do each day. Just a few pages will do, or aim to complete a chapter a night if that makes you happy and satisfied.

6. What about a craft? Some enjoy knitting and crocheting. Try creating a family photobook. Others do needlepoint or latch hook. Perhaps you find pleasure in penning calligraphy letters on a clean white page in bold, black ink. What about an online craft class?

7. If you can't think of any task you'd be good at immersing yourself in, why not return to childhood? What did you enjoy in your youth? No shame in revisiting old talents to see where they take you.


Today, write down the simple things that gave you a few moments of pure, unadulterated joy. Give thanks for these meaningful, simple moments of fun and enjoyment. Make it a priority to enjoy them again, tomorrow. And encourage your whole family to do the same. Maybe you can do it together.
​​

​Disclosure: At Grandma's Place is committed to high standards of integrity and quality. I do not promote any brand I do not believe meets these standards, and I only promote brands I would purchase myself. If I don't love it, and don't think you'll love it, it won't appear on my blog.