December has arrived and – at least in the sense of a modern calendar – this means the beginning of advent. In 2017 the liturgical date may be 3 December, but that won’t stop many of you beginning a tradition that seems to have been taken over by confectionery giants and luxury gift sellers.
Guardian writers recently looked at some of the most outlandish creations on sale this year, but here are a few of our favourite home made calendars that you’ll be opening windows on in the coming weeks.
‘I have created my children an advent calendar that I hope will inspire them to make the world a better place’
This year I have created my children an advent calendar (pictured at the top of this article) that I hope will inspire them to make the world a better place. Each little jar contains a challenge and a jelly bean – there had to be a sweet involved somewhere! The challenges range from things like “hug your mum” (very difficult for my 13-year-old daughter) to bake a cake, donate something to charity or tell a friend a joke.
“Read a poem” might be a struggle for my 9-year-old daughter, who thinks books are boring! So in all there are 24 different challenges each, some coinciding with the sibling’s calendar. Currently both of my children are excited about the advent calendars and I hope that at least a few memories will be created... Even if it turns out in time that my children reminisce about the home made advent calendar that in order to get one lousy jelly bean they had to wash their nan’s car!
beckywoll
‘Illustrations just just seem so much more appealing to me’
I’m an illustrator and artist and made this calendar to sell, because I really like a traditional paper calendar as opposed to the chocolate or gift based ones. I’m looking forward to a little scene each day – it just seems so much more appealing to me. It’s based on the Exeter landmark the House that Moved, a medieval house they literally carted down the street during urban regeneration in the 1960s. I quite liked the idea of a bunch of kids being in control of it.
The windows include scenes from A Christmas Carol, the Box of Delights and Mr James having a Christmas tipple with a ghost, as well as an alien delivering presents and an ice skating duck. Despite the obvious local angle (I live in Devon, a few miles from Exeter), I have had orders from as far afield as Sheffield, Uganda and New Zealand.
Sarah Coomer
‘My mother ensured that we treated the model with great respect’
This Danish advent calendar was sent to me at Christmas in 1951 by relatives in Copenhagen. At that time I was a child living in England. It shows Nisse men, in their red hats and grey jerseys, waiting in line and taking turns to ride down the Rutschebane or slide chute in a little cart. Nisse men are part of Scandinavian folklore, and are considered guardians of the farmyard. To us they were also associated with Christmas.
Every year I helped assemble the cardboard model and then we opened a door a day to find the little picture inside – no gifts or sweets here! In between times I could run the little wagon down the chute. The model stands about 50cm high from the floor to the top of the flag.
It was always very special to me for some reason and not only because it signified Christmas. My mother ensured that we treated the model with great respect, and every New Year it was carefully packed away again. She kept it safe in a thick cardboard folder which also contained the original envelope the calendar came in. It is 66 years old now and a little frail, with sticky tape and staples in places, but with care it can still be assembled.
Jo Wicht
‘Each envelope features images of his adorable grandchildren’
My Dad had an accident three and a half years ago that left him a tetraplegic. He needs 24 hour care and after nine months in hospital is now in a care home. He is a shadow of his former self and suffers from depression. He hasn’t been home ever since his accident, and Christmas is an especially tough time for him.
I made this advent calendar for my Dad last year. Each envelope features images of his adorable grandchildren, paired with uplifting quotes. It brought much optimism to him over the dark winter days.
Feng Ho
Typographical Christmas
Took me some time but wanted something special year after year for my son – the little pockets can hold all manner of surprises.
Gwenyth Lloyd
A little less effort went into this one, but it’s all in good spirit
Home made jellybean calendar. I made it after a couple of beers with friends. I can’t remember why, but my kids thought it was hilarious.
BarryPinches
