This year there’s no excuse for the £1.99 supermarket advent calendar stuffed with chocolate. At this time of year I’m looking for advent calendars, and discovering that they have become ever more inventive in recent years with so many different ways to celebrate this lovely Christmas tradition.
I’ve always preferred to stick to the traditional illustrations of the nativity and avoid giving the kids even more chocolate, especially as they are likely to open them first thing in the morning! However, once you start looking there is so many different options out there. This year take a look at these calendars and choose something that will stand proudly on your mantelpiece as a feature of your Christmas decor.
For The Minimalist Home
A simple monochrome panel with a small wreath to mark each day up to the 25th. This is perfect if you love pared back Scandi style.
Albany wooden advent calendar - £28.99 - Lights4Fun.co.uk
For the Crafty Collector
If your home is full of beautifully crafted collectables you’ll love this limited edition hand-made advent calendar created in collaboration with Susie Watson. Pretty hand finished embroidery of this charming winter scene allows you to pop your own treats into the pockets year after year.
Limited Edition Biscuiteers Advent Calendar by Susie Watson - £125 - Biscuiteers.com
For an added treat add a tin of luxury hand iced Christmas biscuits to pop into the pockets day by day.
24 Luxe Advent Biscuits and tin - £50 - Biscuiteers.com
For Colour Lovers
This brightly coloured illustrated calendar will add a perfect colour pop to your mantel piece. Each day reveals a new character to build to create a little scene in front of the calendar.
Petit Collage - Winter Wonderland Advent Calendar 3D Puzzle - £18 - HurnandHurn.com
The red calendar is a traditional nativity whilst the green is a Winter Wonderland featuring Santa's elves and reindeer.
Petit Collage - Nativity Advent Calendar 3D Puzzle - £18 - HurnandHurn.com
A Traditional Period Home
I love traditional Christmas illustrations. Bright reds, greens and golds and all the associated colours and images of the season. I’ve always loved the nostalgia that these vintage Victorian style illustrations conjure up.
Coppenrath Victorian Christmas Chest Large Advent Calendar - £14 - JohnLewis.com
The Country Cottage
I think this calendar would look great in a traditional country home. A wooden house with a winter countryside scene will delight children of all ages. Fill it with sweets and toys for younger children and make-up and jewellery for teenagers. Whats-more this advent calendar can be used year after year.
Will you be buying an advent calendar this year or do you have one that you've treasured over the years? What's your favorite type of advent calendar and does it match your home decor? I'd love to know so please leave a message in the comments.