Counting down to Christmas

Advent calendars are such fun!!


I found some great ideas on pintrest. I just can't stop looking at all the beautiful things :)  Then I was blog surfing one night and came across this one by Kim McGray at http://kimbermcgray.blogspot.com/2011/10/2-new-teaching-dates-in-ohio.html  I loved it!! My first countdowns inspiration.
The first countdown was made with,  American Crafts Dear Lizzy Christmas collection.The numbered paper was perfect for the countdown. I just loved the brown bags with it.I filled each bag with a treat and a holiday activity, some have a present to open.
The second was made with American crafts Holiday line. I just adore this line.I die cut the boxes with a lifestyle crafts matchbox die and filled them with candy and little notes.
I gave them to my Daughter and my son's girlfriend on Thanksgiving.I had so much fun filling them and getting little gifts for them to open all month.Ya know things like a cute Christmas towel,hot chocolate,Christmas tags for wrapping presents and more.I told them to give the empty ones to me at the end of the season and I will fill them next year.I am going to make it a new tradition for all my kids.As they move out into their own houses I will give each one a advent :) I am off to look at pintrest and save some more ideas for next year.

These little bears fit perfect and are so cute!!!