December has arrived and Christmas is only days away!
What are your family’s traditions to observe as the day approaches? Go caroling; cookies to the local nursing home; or maybe special crafts for the kids to decorate the tree? Maybe you are one of those people taking a photo every day to document each day’s activities all month long.
In our home, we’ve tried to focus on the spiritual side of the holiday to help us keep things in perspective as the day approaches.
I’ll admit it is sometimes so very easy to get caught up in the excitement of looking for the best gift ever, or the best bargain, but in the end when the day arrives all those exciting things can leave you feeling a bit empty and let down. We try to keep focused on the true meaning of Christmas.
For many years we used a simple felt banner with pockets for each day counting down to Christmas. Each pocket would have something to read or do to make that day special. We’ve also had banners with mini candy canes one for each day! Each year we’d try something just a little different. So I’m going to show you a couple of ways to use the Mosaic Moments Grid Paper and two of our FREE downloads to make your own Advent Calendar or Countdown to Christmas.
Advent Calendar Banner
Featuring Library Pockets Free Download
WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO GATHER:
- 2 Sheets of Mosaic Moments Grid paper in a color of your choice. (Forrest Green was used in this example)
- Several Christmas themed 8.5” x 11” papers for the pockets. You will be able to print 3 pockets on each sheet, or if you print on a lightweight tag to make a template you will be able to get 6 from each sheet. Be sure to print on the blank side of the paper. (3 different pattern papers were used with a common color feel to them)
- 1 sheet of 12”x12” holiday patterned paper to cut 25- 2.125” squares (this could also be coordinating Paper Tiles or cardstock. If you are going to mount photos in these spaces you may prefer a solid color)
- Color cardstock for the tags, match to your papers. Cut to 2” x 2-3/8”
- Glitter cardstock for stars. (cream and white were both used, but the choices are many)
- Star punch or star die
- Small hole punch 1/16”
- Punch to round corners (optional)
- Metallic floss for attaching the stars to the tags. Regular floss could also be used.
- Metallic Paint Pen for writing on the tags.
- Ribbon for connecting the two pages and hanging. (7/8” green used here)
- Verses for the tags for each days reading or projects and activities to do each day. (This year I’ve used the names of Christ for each tag and the reading relates to the name. I used a small devotional called “Messiah Come and Behold Him” from Thomas Nelson Publishers that has a page of further thoughts for each name. There are many Advent devotionals out there to choose from, or use your own selections and ideas. Here's a link for one idea.)
WHERE TO BEGIN:
- 1. Print the Library Pockets freebie for your template or print each sheet of Christmas paper you are going to use for pockets.
- Trim carefully and fold following the directions on the sheet to create each pocket. Arrange on the grid in a vertical pattern over two pages in a checkerboard pattern.
- Cut your patterned paper squares and apply between each pocket.
- Cut your tags in assorted colors. Round corners, punch hole in top center of each. Match to each pocket.
- Cut stars. Punch hole in center of one section. Use a needle to thread the floss through the hole. Use all six strands. Knot the end and thread through star and tag. Knot behind the tag.
- Use metallic paint pen to write on each tag. Use one or both sides depending on what you are doing and how much space you need.
- Write a number on each of the stars on the plain backside. I have left the numbered side to show and turn to the sparkly side after the reading for each day is complete, hiding the number.
- Make a 1” slit ¼” from the bottom edge of the top page and the top edge of the bottom page about ½” from the outer edges. Then feed your ribbon through the slits. Pull gently until edges meet, do not overlap! Tie loosely into a bow on each side.
- On the top edge cut another pair of slits to thread your hanging ribbon. Determine the length you want it to hang and allow a little extra to use to tie a bow. Cut two 12” sections of ribbon and fold into three equal sections. Tails of the ribbon will point to outside. Gather in center and place between the hanging section and knot. This creates a bow at the top and holds things in place. You will have three “tails” trim at an angle and voila! You are finished!
To make this a photo filled calendar add photos in the non-pocket sections. I have used a 1.75” square punch for the photos so that I have a nice border around each photo and still see the paper below. This is how you can make this calendar a December Daily Photo Record if you choose to shoot one a day, or something a little less planned with just the special moments of the days and events going on in your family. Have fun. Make memories.
This Second Advent Calendar can become a part of your scrapbook once the holidays are over.
Featuring Christmas Countdown a FREE Download
WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO GATHER:
- You will need 5 different patterns of Christmas paper. Print the FREE Countdown Numbers available on Snapncrop.com.
- 2- 12”x 12” Mosaic Moments Grid Paper any color (black was used here)
- A round punch or circle die to cut the numbers into circles
- 1/8” ribbon for trimming packages
- Verses or other choice for inside of each flap.
- Photos
WHERE TO BEGIN:
- You will cut 5- 2.125” x 4.25” rectangles from each sheet of each of the 5 patterns. Fold in half
- Fill the insides as you like.
- Attach squares to grid.
- Punch the numbers out and attach to topside of each square. Determine whether you are cutting down 25-24-23… the days to Christmas, or counting as the Calendar Dec 1, Dec 2, Dec 3, and 1-2-3 BEFORE you attach to the squares.
- OPTION: Photos can be taken during the month and added to the inside of the squares. Choose items like nativity sets, the Christmas tree, snow scenes, flower arrangements or ornaments etc.
AFTER CHRISTMAS:
- Pick your favorite photos and trim them any way you like to fit the second page of this layout.
- The bottom row of the page will hold 5 presents. Use one square of each pattern and add ribbon trim to create packages.
- This layout allows you to do something new each year and have a quick way to put a page together.
There you have it…2 Ways to Countdown to Christmas!
I hope you find rest amidst the hustle and bustle of the season and joy as you make memories with your families! As always, we'd love to see what you create! Just join us on Journella.com or the Mosiac Moments Facebook page!
Merry Christmas from the Fisher Household!
Andrea
