And they are up.
Decided to go the "tack in the wall" route - using small thumb tacks to attach the boxes right into the wall. The holes will be covered with a large wall calendar when the boxes come down after Christmas. They seem to be holding pretty darn good right now.
Wanted to address some of the comments/questions from the yesterday's post:
1. these are paper/chipboard boxes not wood
2. box dimensions are 2.5x2.5, 3.5x3.5, and 4.5x4.5 inches
3. loved the idea of a big old frame to go around the outside of the grouped boxes - may try that one next year
4. this project actually goes really quick - I did it in an evening (between dishes, getting Simon to bed, having a glass of wine, etc)
5. loved all the different ideas for sticking them to the wall (or some sort of backing such as a cork board or magnets)
I also got an email from Shannon that included a PDF of Advent "experiences" - little actions that can be cut and placed in an Advent calendar. I emailed Shannon and she was cool with me sharing the PDF here: HolidaySpiritBoxPrompts. Here's what she wrote in the email:
Love this idea and will be including some of these into the boxes.
Simon and I hit a really cool holiday sale this morning called Christmas Memories - if you are local it is still happening tomorrow and is completely worth checking out. Lots of delightful vintage stuff and beautiful wreaths filled with rosehips:
I met a lady who goes every year just to pick up one of these wreaths. She said the one she got last year lasted until Valentines.
As we were driving home this morning I came to the conclusion that I like this idea of stretching out the season - this is the first time I have ever actually pulled holiday stuff out in November. I am using my time now for preparation, for gathering + going through what I already own (and forget about from year to year). And changing my outlook to include Thanksgiving within this same general season rather than looking at it as a separate holiday...or the one to get through before Christmas can finally come around again.
I am looking forward to the possibility of simply enjoying the season: having people over, sitting in the living room lit only by the tree lights, reading, watching holiday movies, listening to holiday music.



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69 comments
This is fabulous. I am totally into Christmas projects too right now...finishing up my cards, making some ornaments, etc...love this season and what it means.
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I love your idea of extending the season. Here in Canada we celebrate Thanksgiving in October so November and December combine very nicely. Your idea of enjoying the specialness of this time totally appeals to me. Thanks for writing it down and formalizing what I was feeling but not clearly thinking.
That wreath is gorgeous!! I know several doors that would look great with one of them :))
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it looks GREAT ali!!!! love the wreath too!!!
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Oh...my mom went to that today. You guys are lucky! Gorgeous wreath.
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I love your thoughts about enjoying the holidays and i am going to try to incorporate it myself.
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that is an amazing wreath! Looks like Hops too. WOW! I would almost drive down for that.
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The box idea would be cute to leave up all year, make it a daily/monthly reward calendar. If it's a good behavior day, the box gets opened. If it's a bad day, no treat.
The treats can vary, a hershey kiss, a quarter, new eraser, gift card, etc...
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The way you attached them to the wall really made them a part of this wall...like they have been up there forever..
I would be sad to have to take them off..
Great project!
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ok wow! this is such an awesome project!
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Hey Ali,
We don't have Thanksgiving here in Australia, but my Christmas decorations are going up tommorrow! I love the warmth a christmas home brings (even if it is almost Summer here!) and It makes me feel more relaxed and not rushed about Christmas. People think Im crazy for doing it so early, but the stores have had their Trees up for weeks so I can too! I start wrapping now too and that way come xmas night I don't have a million presents to wrap and I can put on my favourite Carols, have a glass of wine and bake til my hearts content. (My favourite things to do xmas eve when all are in bed!)
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The advent boxes are beautiful and,yes, I can see how that gorgeous wreath alone makes the trip to Christmas Memories worth it!
This is the ealiest I've ever started getting ready for the holidays, too ... and so far I'm having a blast! It feels like a) all the pressure is off so I can just relax and have and fun and b) I'm being so smart and organized and pulled together LOL We'll see how things go at the end of December, but if this year continues to flow so smoothly, I think I'll make it a tradition that every year on the day after Halloween I start thinking about Christmas ...
Happy Holidays!
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For some reason i am feeling a strong urge to break out the Christmas decorations now too! Its odd because I never even got around to decorating for Halloween. But we are hosting Thanksgiving this year and it may be the only time my family will be in my home for the rest of the year-why not have it look spectacular?? I adore that wreath- i wonder if I can find one around here??
By the way- I got your new book yesterday-it is killing me to not have time to look at it yet-tomorrow night I think i will have a couple of hours....bubble bath here I come!!
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For some reason i am feeling a strong urge to break out the Christmas decorations now too! Its odd because I never even got around to decorating for Halloween. But we are hosting Thanksgiving this year and it may be the only time my family will be in my home for the rest of the year-why not have it look spectacular?? I adore that wreath- i wonder if I can find one around here??
By the way- I got your new book yesterday-it is killing me to not have time to look at it yet-tomorrow night I think i will have a couple of hours....bubble bath here I come!!
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Don't forget to remember the reason for the season, the Birth of Jesus Christ!
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Wonderful! The boxes and wreath look great! Do you have plans to make homemade gifts for friends and relatives for Christmas?
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I think I am going to have to bookmark you...this is a very cool blog...love the inspirational ideas! TFS!
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The last paragraph of your post made me smile. I love the feelings it stirred up inside me. Can't wait to enjoy the holidays myself. Simply enjoy them.
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I hadn't been to your blog in a while, so I was delighted to see that you were making advent boxes! I grew up in England where the Advent calendar is a staple at the holidays. About a month ago I bought a box die cut pattern for my Silhouette so that I could make advent boxes too! I love how you did all different sizes.
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Every time I click on your blog, I get more and more excited for Christmas. Thanks for sharing, the boxes look beautiful!
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Hi Ali, I love your attitude. There is nothing wrong with getting your holiday things out early. I agree, if we all got a little more organized now and started our holiday decorating, shopping, etc. we will definitely have time to enjoy the Christmas season. Isn't that what it is supposed to be about? You forgot having time to scrap during the holidays! I can't think of a better way to destress! Enjoy, love the advent boxes.
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