advent arrival

Yesterday, we started the advent calendar. Because it's already December, you know. Can you believe it?

Every year Silhouette comes out with a limited edition advent calendar set, and they're usually more pricey than I'm willing to spend. Through this blog, however, I used a 40-percent-off coupon code and nabbed this baby for a steal. The kit included the frame, clips, and a download card with all the exclusive envelope and holiday designs.

I spent hours on this. The Silhouette machine is pretty amazing, but it doesn't let you off the hook entirely. I had to keep track of what element needed to be cut in which color and then re-cut the elements that the machine messed up. Then there was the sewing and gluing. This calendar demanded much of my time and patience, so it's a good thing I'm thrilled with the outcome because this little guy will be gracing our walls for many Christmases to come.

I filled each day with a small activity. Some of the cards coincide with our calendar and most of them are things we'd do anyway: the church Christmas party, drinking hot chocolate, watching the Mormon Christmas devotional, turning on It's a Wonderful Life. Seven of the days correspond to chapters from 

A Christ-Centered Christmas, a book that helps you and your family infuse more Christ into your Christmas calendar. I think my favorite card is "Rock around the Christmas tree." I don't remember which day I assigned that activity to, but I can't wait.

If you're interested in buying your own Silhouette machine (I love mine--Josh gave it to me for Christmas two years ago), troll these blogs for giveaways and coupon codes (this is not a sponsored post--I'm just trying to help you find deals if you're interested!):

Little Miss Momma
Eighteen 25
I Am Momma, Hear Me Roar

I think one of the things I love most about Christmas is the anticipation. I love the music, the outings, the buildup. What do you do to anticipate Christmas? Do you have an advent calendar?