When my three sons were young in the mid '60's and early '70's, they'd ask me over and over how many more days it was 'til Santa would be here. They would drive me crazy with that question. My sister-in-law Evelyn came to my rescue. She made us a gorgeous wall hanging consisting of a little calendar and tree (shown above).
We would put the wall hanging on our wall on December 1st. The tree started out bare except for the star on top, since all of the little ornaments were individually stored at the bottom, in the little individual pouches. On December 1st, the boys would put the ornament from the first pouch on the tree. And then---each day through December 24, the boys would add one more ornament. Once they added the last ornament, they knew that Santa was coming SOON. By this wonderful method, my sons knew how many days were left---so they didn't have to ask Mom over and over!!!! This was a wonderful December routine in our home for many years.
Well--it's been about 40 years ---and I still have that wall hanging. I'm careful with it--and because of that, it has lasted all of these years. It is one of my special Christmas momentoes. I still put it on my wall--even though there are no little ones around to move the ornaments to the tree these days.
In my pictures today, you'll note that all of the ornaments are already on the tree!!!!! Without little ones around, I just leave them on the tree all month. But--I do have great memories of watching my sons move those ornaments to the tree each day. Below are a few more pictures.
Here is a close-up of the little felt tree with its felt ornaments. Note that there are three red stockings on that tree---one for each of my sons.
Here's a close-up of the bottom of the wall hanging. Behind each number (date), there is a little pouch where the ornaments were stored (one in each pouch). Evelyn used snaps to get the ornaments to stay on the tree. (This was before the days of velcro. ha ha)
Here's one last picture of the wall hanging. Evelyn used burlap for the background fabric. Unfortunately, Evelyn is no longer with us (she died in 2007) ---but her handiwork is with me and I'll remember her for things like this FOREVER.
Have a great December---and remember what happens in only 23 days!!!!! YEAH!!!
Hugs,
P.S. We had a rare occurrence at our home yesterday morning. We woke up with what looked like snow on the ground and roof-tops. But--it wasn't snow... Can you guess what it was????? They called it FREEZING FOG. Unusual, huh????
44 comments:
I hope you have discovered Monastery Daily Photo. He has the Advent Candles featured too!
What a wonderful keepsake that is, Betsy! Not only to remember Evelyn by, but to bring back those fond memories of your sons eagerly adding the ornaments. That's a very special gift she gave you. I love it.
Christmas keepsakes really bring the memories to life don't they?
I guess if we want our lives to slow down some it would help to REALLY anticipate an occasion like kids do Christmas. December used to feel like it was 3 months long.
Hope you got pictures of the Freezing Fog. We had a heavy frost but I don't think I have seen the fog phenom.
Hi Betsy - I can feel the love, excitement and joy your children must have - they will treasure it forever and ever in their hearts! PS. Love everything about your Christian Year postings. :-)
Freezing fog sounds pretty Betsy! I bet you liked it.
That's a cute little Christmas tree/calender. What a great idea!
That is is so cute.
Yesterday morning we had some freezing fog also. I didn't see it, hubby told me about it (I slept in). He leaves for work really early and said the same thing, it looked like it had snowed a little.I bet you had more up your way though.
What a wonderful treasure and sweet memories.
I forgot what we did before Velcro, ha-ha!
Enjoy your day.
Sunny :)
We had the freezing fog too and it was beautiful! Love your advent calendar. Megan has been looking for one for the grands. Will have to show her this one and maybe she can make one instead. thanks!
What a neat idea! Great that you have had it all these years! It won't be long now!
Lovely tradition with wonderful memories attached ... a keeper for sure! Don't think I've ever heard of 'freezing fog' ... of course the Pacific Ocean is a great stabilizing force temperature wise ;-)
Hugs and blessings,
Betsy, this is wonderful that you have this as a decoration and also as a memory and keepsake. Lovely tradition to count down to the big day too. :)
What a lovely post Betsy. The calender is a treasured family heirloom, one I would be proud to have. Evelyn gave you quite a gift and wouldn't she just love to know how much it still means to you? I am sure she does.
We have a very similar tree that I made the year my first child was born. Even with the kids grown, I place an ornament each day until they get home for the holidays.
Freezing fog? Hmmm, yes, very unusual - It was ON the ground like snow lies on the ground? Weird!
The calendar must have been a relief for sure & a great idea-Kudos to sister-in-law!!! heheheee
What a precious gift Evelyn gave to you! The Advent calendar is gorgeous.
We have something similar that I bought years ago and the girls still love it. Unfortunately ornaments for the tree keep disappearing!
We get freezing fog too, it's called hoar frost and there are icicles on everything.
Sweet memories how they linger. We also had something similar for our children to count down too. I love your little felt tree.
I LOVE this Calendar. I bet you if you had a daughter, she would have taken this calendar to her home to do today!!!!! boys don't seem to like old keepsakes...but girls do.
I can see you cherish this too.
The Christmas tree wall hanging is beautiful and the memories you have are so special.Betsy,we have about 6 inches of snow,I find myself thinking about you when I see the snow,:)
Blessings,Ruth
Even though i am not a christian we used to make xmas tree every year and used to wait till Santa comes to the house with loads of gifts :)
Even though i am not a christian we used to make xmas tree every year and used to wait till Santa comes to the house with loads of gifts :)
Sweet, sweet memories! Your header is very pretty and meaningful and I love your new advent colors.
Great memories Betsy. Your Christmas calendar is in terrific shape.
We had the freezing fog yesterday morning too. Not fun to drive to work in. It was 28 degrees in my driveway when I left for work.
What a great idea to teach children. A very pretty decoration too.
Marnie
Lovely memories here, thanks for sharing..freezing frog?
Do you know the song 12 days of Christmas??lol
Your sister-in-law was a very special lady, no doubt, with very special talents. Thanks for sharing this post. I've never heard of freezing fog! Are you warmer today? Did it melt quickly? Apologies for so many questions, but as an African, these things are very strange to me. (((Hugs))) Jo xxx
What a lovely family tradition!
Watch out for that freezing fog! It can be treacherous!!
So glad to find a fellow Tennessean -- even though I'm in Alabama now, we still consider Tennessee home. Love your Advent-calendar post. Looking forward to being a regular visitor.
Aaawwww Betsy, isn't that just precious !
I think it is so exciting to have an advent calendar, the tension builds the closer to the BIG day ;)
A wonderful keepsake, that holds special memories.
Thanks for sharing them.
Hugs,
Jo
Advent calendars are perfect for letting kids see how many more day till the big day!
Wet and rainy in Ohio may start freezing tomorrow. Found a waterfall to put on my blog ( all your fault) LOL
What a wonderful memory of your sister and your children. Such a Blessing to still have it and it be in such good shape! Advent is a time of preparation, getting ready. We'd sit around the table, light the candles and read from the daily devotional for the season. What wonderful memories. May you always find the True Love, Peace and Joy of the season. Blessings to you and yours. Love and Light, Nina P
Nice memories of your sister..and definitely a way to keep those little ones from driving their crazy Mother crazier!! lol..so how many days till Christmas?? just kidding..
I just finished my shopping and now have to attack all with the wrapping and to and froms!!
This is all easier when one is retired,,,tho.. he he
Freezing fog is new to me...love the memories your calendar has!!!
I hope you've warmed up over there by now.
What a great system your sister-in-law invented for the Christmas countdown. She was one smart lady.
Lots of memories ... and still handy: other than the chocolate advent calendars they haven't made any improvements to what you created long ago.
What a wonderful, sentimental calendar. My children were always asking "how many days" as yours did. We have a wall hanging similar to what you have although ours is plastic (and no where as nice as yours!)and the children would move a Santa bear from one pocket to the next. It still has to be hung up every year by Ashton.
What a beautiful treasure you have and a wonderful memory of Evelyn.
I love advent calenders. that is one of the most precious I have seen
Rita
Betsy: Very cute, my one daughter does a similar countdown.
NOT enough!!!! haha. Pretty banner!
What a wonderful idea, Evelyn was very creative. A beautiful memory and keepsake for the Christmas season.
In Alaska we called it ice fog and here it is freezing fog, we have had a couple already and more to come. A heavy ice fog is beautiful when the sun comes out.
Sorry I haven't been over in awhile, I have a nasty ear infection and didn't feel much like blogging or anything else. It's finally starting to clear up and hopefully will be gone soon.
Hugs,
Judy
Advent calendars are always fun and help pass the time. Homemade ones are even better! One year I bought a bunch of little boxes that we filled every year with inexpensive little "treats" and every night the kids got to open one after we did an Advent reading of some sort. I was always looking for ways to try to keep the "true Christmas" in focus at least part of the time. It is hard with all the commercial stuff around us. This combined a bit of both.
How wonderful that you have kept the wall hanging for so long and now it is a memento of your friend.
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