Crafts maker says Advent calendars can offer family activities

Advent calendars can give children shared family activities instead of only sweets, crafts maker Jaanika Aasrand said on ERR’s Terevisioon television programme.

Aasrand said she often forgot to fill a Christmas stocking each morning, so she came up with a calendar that can be prepared in advance. She recommends making one by covering 24 cardboard cups with thin paper secured by rubber bands, then writing or attaching a date to each cup. The cups can be prepared all at once or displayed in batches of seven to save space.

Her “activities calendar” combines treats such as sweets and mandarins with plans for spending time together. Ideas include playing a game, having a pizza night or baking gingerbread. Other options include a popcorn or cocoa evening, a craft session, doing a secret good deed, looking for Christmas lights or letting a child choose the music during a car journey.

Aasrand said parents should be ready to take part in the activities, which are generally meant to happen on the day the cup is opened. Alternatively, families can collect the ideas in a jar and choose from them later. Small paper sandwich bags can also be used to hold wishes or activities.