I absolutely LOVE Christmas! I love everything about it!… giving gifts, being surrounded by family and friends…cooking a huge feast… EVERYTHING! The minute December 1st hits I “get my Christmas on.” Even though I am in my 30s I still get an advent calendar. I wanted to do something special for a friend of mine: make a personalized advent calendar. It is so easy! I bought the wooden calendar from Canadian Tire and on each date I put instructions for a Christmas activity to get her in the spirit as well as a little trinket to help her fulfill her Christmas task.
| DATE | TASK | GIFT |
| 1 | Set up the Christmas tree. | A small ornament for her to add to her tree |
| 2 | Take a moment to write your Christmas cards. | A roll of stamps for her so she could send her cards |
| 3 | Enjoy a kiss under the mistletoe. | A sprig in for her to hang in her home |
| 4 | Have your photo taken with Santa. | A pair of super over the top Christmas earrings for her to wear in the photo |
| 5 | Listen to Christmas songs and sing along. | A personally curated list of songs for her to find on Spotify |
| 6 | Go Christmas shopping. | A folded up blank “Christmas Shopping List” for her to get organized before braving the crowds at the mall |
| 7 | Drop off a donation to the local food bank or toy drive. | $20 to go towards her contribution |
| 8 | Buy or make yourself a new Christmas decoration. | The instructions for making a paper angel ornament |
| 9 | Write and send a letter to Santa. | A Post-It with Santa’s address on it (in case she forgot the address) |
| 10 | Go ice skating. | New festive candy cane laces for her skates |
| 11 | Wrap presents while enjoying a bottle of wine. | A new wine glass charm and a roll of tape |
| 12 | Have a snowball fight (or throw some snowballs for the puppy). | A pair of new gloves to keep her warm |
| 13 | Make and decorate Christmas cookies. | A package of sparkly sprinkles |
| 14 | Wear a silly Christmas sweater. | A photo of me wearing my silliest one, so she could enjoy a good laugh |
| 15 | Check out the local Christmas lights display. | A glow-in-the-dark Christmas lights necklace for her to wear |
| 16 | Enjoy a festive Christmas drink of eggnog or apple cider. | A pouch of apple cider spice mix |
| 17 | Build a snowman. | Pieces of “coal” for the snowman’s eyes, mouth & buttons |
| 18 | Watch a Christmas movie. | A personally curated list of movies for her to find on Netflix |
| 19 | Go to the local Christmas craft fair. | A printed out a schedule of fairs happening in her area |
| 20 | Make a snow angel. | A tiny small snow globe that has an angel inside |
| 21 | Relax by the fire or watch the “burning log channel” for an hour WITHOUT the distraction of your phone. | A new Christmassy kitchen timer |
| 22 | Build a gingerbread house. | The photo of the one we made together from our first Christmas in university |
| 23 | Snack on a sweet treat. | An individually wrapped cookie for her to eat |
| 24 | Read ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas | The poem printed out as a small scroll and fastened with a red ribbon |
| 25 | Relax with a boozy coffee. | A small bottle of Bailey’s for her to add in after brewing |