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Advent Calendars

(51 Posts)
Granarchist Mon 16-Nov-15 11:19:46

Moan alert! Is it possible to get Advent Calendars that are .......... Advent Calendars? Not chocolate filled advertisements for Disney themed films, television programmes etc etc. Does anyone know what Advent is any more? Moan over.

rubysong Sun 22-Nov-15 00:05:01

I made a quilt panel one a few years ago, with a nativity scene and little pockets for sweets or whatever. I think I will put the baby Jesus from the nativity set in the final pocket. I was going to put each of the figurines in but that would mean the stable would have had shepherds, kings etc there before the baby was born. Maybe I will put the ox and ass and a couple of sheep in the pockets and chocolate in the rest.

Aepgirl Sat 21-Nov-15 16:12:08

I bought a 'real' advent calendar in the Quench Christian bookshop and, as an added bonus, it has chocolates behind the windows..

Granarchist Sat 21-Nov-15 14:23:28

wow Shrimp - that really is taking Advent Calendars into the 21st century! But I think I still prefer your lovely description of the old ones!

Misha14 Sat 21-Nov-15 11:07:37

Oxfam always have at least one religious Advent Calendar every year. No chocolates, just a reminder of what Christmas is about.

Shrimp Sat 21-Nov-15 10:33:38

Hi all,
Have not joined in discussions before, but would like to mention how much magic I used to find in the old picture advent calendars. I used to love those village scenes where you opened a church window to find the choirboys singing, or the workshop window to see the bootmaker mending shoes. A couple of years ago I discovered the Jacquie Lawson electronic advent calendar which is an animated version of this - my grandkids found it magical (and so do I, although I issue a warning to all those who are 'twee-averse'! wink) www.jacquielawson.com/advent

Blondehedgehog Sat 21-Nov-15 10:20:43

I get my Advent callenders from WH Smith. They have Nativity ones and Santa on sledge ones. been getting them there for years

yogagran Fri 20-Nov-15 20:31:24

I fancy one of these

www.hotelchocolat.com/uk/shop/christmas/advent-calendars/couples-advent-calendar-to-share?utm_source=473347&utm_medium=referral#check-stock

goose1964 Fri 20-Nov-15 19:34:14

I've seen quite a lot of traditional advent calendars but they're around a fiver when a chocolate one is only a couple of quid max, I have my heart set on a yankee candle one but it's far to expensive, one year though

chelseababy Fri 20-Nov-15 19:01:58

Danish advent calendar...

chelseababy Fri 20-Nov-15 18:48:32

Oh yes miep I made my nephews one like that years ago. A real làbour of love, wonder what happened to it.

miep Fri 20-Nov-15 16:25:56

My DC have hand embroidered advent calendars with their names and a curtain ring each numbered day to hang a little present on...nearly killed me making them!

Stansgran Fri 20-Nov-15 14:37:35

I've just bought the M&s beauty one, a bit secular, if that is the right description for DD who has come and hoovered and mopped floors for me.

Bug180 Fri 20-Nov-15 14:07:12

I got this from our local Well pharmacy for £5, I'm hoping it will bring years of entertainment for our grandchildren, it's compatible with Lego too smile

jinglbellsfrocks Fri 20-Nov-15 13:32:35

I have bought the Xmas tree beer one for DS. For his birthday early December. I hope I don't turn him into an alcoholic! shock

felice Fri 20-Nov-15 12:41:35

I just bought a lovely Swiss chocolate Advent calendar in my local Brussels supermarket with a lovely Nativity Scene. It cost 1€ and was openly on show along with all the Disney ones etc, as we are close to Brussels city centre I was really pleased to see it.

Iam64 Tue 17-Nov-15 19:16:46

Garden Centres often have traditional advent calendars. I bought two last week, lovely Victorian types and not too expensive either.

Judthepud2 Tue 17-Nov-15 15:15:40

DS has a birthday on 1st December and although he will be 37 I still buy him an Advent calendar every year. About 15 years ago he asked me to buy him traditional Advent calendars instead of choc ones so I am always on the hunt for something different. Thanks for these suggestions.

Elrel Tue 17-Nov-15 01:07:13

I've got one like a big book containing 24 tiny books, each with a Christmas theme. GSs put it out with their other Advent Calendars and read the little book each day.

Nanabelle Mon 16-Nov-15 23:56:06

Purpledaffodil - I have just won one of these at a church coffee morning raffle (I chose it as my prize actually) for my granddaughter. It also has a little nativity storybook inside. The illustration on the front is lovely.
My daughter last year collected small story books from charity shops, wrapped them up, and her daughter had one each day during Advent - a new story for her every day.

Purpledaffodil Mon 16-Nov-15 22:30:45

www.traidcraftshop.co.uk/c-934-real-christmas-advent-calendar-2015-from-traidcraft.aspx?firstproductid=13126&gclid=CLvM0aD-lckCFYLnwgodc6kGbw&
This does have chocolate in, but it also is Nativity themed, Fair trade and generates a charitable donation. What's not to like, especially as it's£3.99? Dgs had a Lego one last year which had no Christmas references and cost £20.

stillhere Mon 16-Nov-15 22:05:36

I received a parcel in the post that clunks a bit, from a sister. It says that it has to be opened on the 1st December. I can't wait! grin

The snowy village looks lovely. I had a felt tree for the children, I put chocolate balls in the pockets, the foil-wrapped ones. I would love one that had all different spirits in it, for me to try them out - but the cost!

rosesarered Mon 16-Nov-15 21:44:03

Thank you for the link Elegran smile

jinglbellsfrocks Mon 16-Nov-15 19:21:34

Sorry!

Enjoy!

chocolatepudding Mon 16-Nov-15 19:21:24

Thanks Elegran. that's the advent calendar the planning officers had such fun with last year.

jinglbellsfrocks Mon 16-Nov-15 19:21:18

It will rot your teeth.