My maternal grandma was very crafty and was always working on one project or another. Some were silly and some were practical. The craft she made that got use every year was an advent calendar. She made one for each of her four grandchildren. (I just looked at the back and it says 1982. My grandma was always so good to date things like that.)
The advent calendar was made from a piece of poster board cut into the shape of a Christmas tree and then covered with felt that had 25 numbered pockets sewn on it. It was trimmed in ric rac, a pom pom and a metallic flower.
Every year she would put little trinkets or coins in each pocket and then send them home with us. We always enjoyed finding the little surprises. As we got older she often put numbers in the pockets and had corresponding gifts in a sack.
My mom has now carried on the tradition in a more meaningful way for my children. The past three years she has put little slips of paper in each pocket which contain bible verses, thought provoking questions and life application ideas. My children and I have enjoyed learning more about the meaning of Christmas. When we are done reading I pull out the little presents she has wrapped and numbered for each of my children. This is truly a tradition I am glad my mom brought back.
My husband and I got married two days before Christmas almost 14 years ago. I am not sure why we did that to everyone. However, I do love Christmas and had a beautiful wedding complete with snow on the ground. 
Anyway, that year my mom made the gorgeous nativity set above. Not only did she make one for us, but she made many sets. (How many, Mom?) She cut the wood herself and painted and stained everything. I can’t even begin to imagine all of the hours she spent. I was so busy with wedding preparations, college, and working that I don’t even remember her working on them. If I didn’t appreciate all of the time and love she put into making this set back then, I sure do now. (Thanks, Mom!)
Probably at least 10 years prior to making that nativity set my mom made this set.
She used scrap 2×4′s and stained them. Then she cut out felt and glued it on to make this child friendly nativity set. My children have loved playing with this set during the past few years.
These three items made by my mom and grandma are special to me because of the love put into making them. More importantly, they represent the birth of the risen Savior I serve.
Do you have a special nativity set or advent calendar? What traditions do you have that make the Christmas season more meaningful to you and your family?
