December 1st has rolled around yet again and that means countdown
time! This year, I wanted something easy but fun – and I’m a bit
obsessed with paper chains at the moment so I thought I’d combine that
cutting-off-of-the-link to countdown the days with a good-old fashioned
treasure hunt. I have great memories of our Christmases growing up where
mum and dad always made our last present - the main one – extra
special. One year there was a treasure hunt with clues hidden throughout
the house, another year we were each given the end of a coloured string
and told to follow it – it wound all through the house until finally
the other end was wrapped around the gift. So much fun. I try and do the
same, but this year brought it forward and extended the fun with a
treasure hunt advent calendar.
FYI: the papers are Love Mae confetti (triangles) and Clouds (blue and white); a wallpaper sample and Laikonik (brown and white)
The trickiest part about this was coming up
with 24 riddles. Clues just aren’t fun if they don’t rhyme! But about
four clues in I remembered how bad I am at poetry and debated stopping.
And I did stop – at 17. My riddles were bad enough when I was fresh, so
by 1am they were getting even dodgier. I figure I have 17 more days to
come up with the next one! And I have no doubt it will be another gem
like this one…
“Today is day four.
Is that a knock I hear at the door?
Have a look and you might see,
a little something below your knee.”
or this…
“Today is day six.
You could say it’s St Nicks’.
He’s anything but a brute,
So be sure to put our your boot.”
You could say it’s St Nicks’.
He’s anything but a brute,
So be sure to put our your boot.”
or this…
“Day 14 has now come.
Ideas she is out of, your mum.
But if you are able, under a table,
Is a surprise I think you’ll find fun.”
Hand me the Nobel Prize in Literature – I’m
on fire… Not exactly clues, but hey – they’re only little! And the
first one was a hit tonight! They’re already psyched about tomorrow’s
one so I guess I can make an early call that this is a success, crap
riddles and all!
Layla won the coin toss to snip away first. Zak is keen to flip the coin each night too…
And on the stairs? Wagon Wheels! Yeah! Just what they needed after a birthday party, cake and lolly bag today!!!!
And don’t you love it when you think you’ve come up with an original idea and then you do the big test to see if it’s been done before – the Pinterest search. And there it is: in a similar vein. Grr! Oh well, there’s no such thing as an original idea is there?
I was debating trying to make one of these feather wreaths, but caved and bought the West Elm one! I bought it when shipping was half price, but the actual wreath is on sale right now!
Do you count down to the big day? What kind of advent calendar do you do?
{All images Belinda Graham for The Happy Home}
a. spies ensuring good behaviour,
b. messengers to the real Santa about the wish list; catch, whisper and release… no fear
and
c. bringers of the day’s treasure hunt letter that unfolds exactlty like yours!
My youngest is 9 and a boy; still a true believer. I cannot imagine a year without this magic but I know my days are numbered…Enjoying this year more so ’cause it could be my last till grandchildren arrive to start it over….
x KL
http://www.sillyeaglebooks.com/2011/11/diy-last-minute-advent-calendar.html
We did the first craft this morning and it was a hit!
Our advent calendar is a length of twine strung up under the breakfast bar with 24 ornaments pegged ready to be placed on the tree.
http://mammamusing.blogspot.com/2011/11/christmas-avent.html
I’m seeing plenty of really sweet and creative ideas this year.
I landed here from A Beautiful Mess. Really inspired by your creativity — this is unfussy and organic and joyful. Thanks for sharing! We tried a branch last year with ornaments, but as my 9 year old son pointed out, “it’s nicer in white with lights, Mom. Let’s do it!”
I totally agree.
Merry Christmas!
Keep up the good work!
Sam