Christmas is coming!!
Like it or not, Christmas is coming and this week we have been getting into the festive spirit! Now that the youngest three are that little bit older, at two, three and four, they are much more aware of Christmas and the build up to it is a really exciting time of year. For Lewis, at twelve, the magic of Christmas has been lost somewhat now that he steadfast refuses to believe in Father Christmas, despite my best efforts to carry on his belief forever!
One of the most exciting things for the children is opening their advent calendar each morning and this year we decided that it might be fun to make our own! With us not being the most crafty of families, we decided to go for something really simple which is how we came up with the idea of our very own miniature Christmas tree calendars.
What you will need:
A miniature Christmas tree. We used these, £4.71 from Amazon,
Battery Operated lights, (we used these, £7.50 from Lights 4 You)
Coloured card,
24 Christmas chocolates, (we used these, £1 from Tesco)
Thread for hanging.
After we had carefully cut out the children’s initials on a piece of coloured card, and fastened it to the tree with cotton, we helped the children to wrap around the battery lights before letting them loose on hanging their twenty four chocolate decorations, one for each day of advent. And surprisingly, most of them made it onto the tree, although more than a few ‘fell’ into their mouths!
The children absolutely loved decorating their own trees and they make the most perfect Christmas decorations, although I’m not sure that they have quite grasped the concept of having just one chocolate each day!
With us going away next weekend, for a much awaited trip to Lapland UK, we decided to get the Christmas tree up and ready for our return. Every year we are torn between using traditional white tree lights or a more festive multi-coloured, and for that reason we love these 2 in 1 LED Christmas tree lights.
They are the only product on the market that allow you to switch from warm white to multi coloured and in doing so can change the feel of your Christmas décor in an instant. The light sets are inter-connectable, for up to three sets of light, making them the perfect choice for a larger tree. The children were amazed that Daddy could magically change the tree lights with just a wave of his hands, not to mention the discreet flick of a switch.
With the inside of our house lit up beautifully, we decided that the outside should be just as festive. This will be our third Christmas in our home but the first year that we have got round to putting up the lights. Megan was absolutely mesmerised by these Outdoor LED Icicle lights.
These Icicle lights are connectable allowing up to 10 sets, that’s 60 metres, to be run from one plug socket. They come with an 8 function controller with 228 Ice White LED bulbs giving you a variety of different effects, and the children watched impatiently from the window as Daddy braved the cold for the big switch on!
They look amazing and all of a sudden our home feels very festive, so much so that three of the neighbours knocked on that night to politely ask where we had bought them!
What a lovely seasonal giveaway 🙂
Fran recently posted…Another birthday blog: Kids Parcel review
Thanks Fran! xx
All I’ve asked Santa for this year is Yankee Candles x
Claire Bayliss recently posted…The Memory Jar
LOVE Yankee candles! Good luck! xx
I love the minature trees and the golden battery operated lights look fab, some of the nicest I have seen this year. Your photos are gorgeous too, I especially love the one of your little girl peeking through the christmas tree!
Hannah | The Simple Things recently posted…Not The Bonfire Night We Expected.
Thank you, we had such a festive weekend, I’m more than ready for Christmas now! xx
I’ve asked for perfume this year!
Me too! Good luck! xx
I would be delighted with some chocolate and candles! Lovely!
I love candles! Good luck! xx
BRAUN IONTECH SATIN-HAIR 7 HAIR BRUSH x
This looks fab! Good luck! xx
Some perfume and department store vouchers!
Lovely, good luck! xx
I have asked for a dishwasher – I like practical gifts…
Me too! I hope he delivers!! xx
I would ask Santa this year for health for my family & friends 🙂 x
Absolutely, good luck! xx
dvd boxsets
OOh me too! Love a good box set! xx
a new bike
Good luck! xx
A new jacket
Good luck! xx
I would love some Ugg boots but would be very happy with a cheaper version 🙂
River Island do some amazing Ugg style boots, £35 but they are amazing quality and almost as good as the real thing! xx
I have been a good girl, so asked for new boots 🙂
Good luck! xx
I’ve asked for a food processor
Fab! Good luck! xx
I want a coffee pod machine
We have one – they are fab! Good luck! xx
The same as every year, health and happiness for my family
Oh me too! Good luck! xx
I’ve asked for a new iPhone
Good luck! xx
some money for my wedding!
Oh how exciting! Good luck! xx
I’ve asked for a new hairdryer! how dull!
Lauren Belle du Brighton recently posted…Stuff on a Sunday: Sick and Sorting Out
Haha I’m the same, pyjamas and a new dressing gown! xx
new pyjamas and a pandora charm
I love my Pandora, good luck! xx
I’ve asked Santa for a cashmere hot water bottle as I love to be nice & snug
Very nice! Me too! xx
Some Shop vouchers so I can buy what I want
I love vouchers, saves having to return unwanted gifts!! xx
I’d love a nice silver Necklace and some Perfume, thanks.x
Great gifts! Good luck! xx
I’ve asked for a sewing machine.
What a fab present! Good luck! xx
I’d love a new duvet and pillow set!
Very practical! Good luck! xx
GHD hair straighteners xx
Ahh I love mine! xx
I’ve asked him for a new hairdryer, as mine has died!
Oh no! I hope you get one! xx
A new coat and some perfume 🙂
Good luck! xx
A huge ask or a wish maybe I just want to sell my house and move on
Oh fingers crossed for you. xxx
A Bike
Good luck! xx
A new bottle perfume xx
Good luck! xx
Oh lights make everything so much more magical! I love the idea of the little trees with their initials at the top, that is super cute! The photographs are gorgeous in this post too. This is our first Christmas in our new home, it is smaller than our last home so I have to think about tech best spot for the tree, and will have to get some lights for outside. It will be interesting to see how this neighbourhood decorates. #eatsleepblogRT
Thank you! We had a really Christmassy weekend ready for our big trip next week! Our neighbours have all roped Gaz into fitting their Christmas lights the same, they make a real difference though don’t they! Thanks for hosting Mac, and your lovely comments as always. xxx
I’m asking for plenty of books and little crafting kits 🙂 x
I hope he brings them for you! xx
I’ve asked Santa for some Baylis and Harding products.
LOVE Baylis and Harding! good luck! xx
The only thing I have asked for is the BFG on DVD this year – I’m still a little girl at heart and I didn’t get to see it at the cinema when it came out this year (because children haha). I love your Christmas Tree calendar idea Laura! Something so different and creative. The colour change tree is a great idea too – jazz it up for a party or keep it simple for a classy cosy feel. Hope you have an amazing time in Lapland! I’ll look forward to your pics xx #mg
Oh we haven’t seen it yet but I really want to see it!! Thank you, we loved making them and they look very festive! I will be sharing lots of photos of Lapland no doubt, can’t wait!! xxx
I absolutely adored that photo of one of the girls with the lights on Instagram. Just melted my heart! 🙂 Looks like the Christmas spirit is already in your house, I’m envious! Not feeling it yet, hopefully it will come our way soon. xx
Dean of Little Steps recently posted…A Shortie By Little Steps
Thank you so much. It makes me feel like crying when I look at her little face, she’s just amazed by everything this time! Sending you some festive cheer! xx
Having read your post and seen how beautiful the trees look (love those advent trees, by the way), I am now even more excited about Christmas! Have a fabulous trip to Lapland, cannot wait to see the photos #MMBC x
Lisa recently posted…Boys are Best!
Aww thank you. I am beyond excited for Christmas this year, 33 days to go!! xx
Your photos are utterly stunning. I love the two in one lights, very clever!
#MMBC
Charlotte | Baking Betsy recently posted…Living Arrows 143
Thank you so much! xx
Would love some wool please Santa. I know I have a stash of wool already but could always use more 🙂
Good luck! xx
I’m hoping for a new watch.
Good luck! xx
pufume 😀
Good luck! xx
Warm fluffy dressing gown.
Top of my list! good luck! xx
On my wish list is some cosy new pyjamas
Mine too! Good luck! xx
A new charm for my bracelet
Good luck! xx
I have asked for a bracelet 🙂
Good luck! xx
i asked santa for the same thing i ask fo every year, new pjs ! ive quite the collection!
Oh me too! Love new pjs, especially Christmas ones!
I’ve asked santa for a new mixer for baking cakes
Fab! Good luck! xx
I would love some more YSL Black Opium perfume. I love it! Thank you for the giveaway.x
Gorgeous perfume! Good luck! xx
ive asked santa for some peace and quiet x
Haha oh me too! xx
I’ve asked to get my epilepsy under control xx
Ahh I hope you get your wish. xxx
a yoga bracelet to calm me down!
I need one of those! xx
I’d like some tiny gold earrings but I’m happy with socks and chocolate 🙂
Good luck! xx
Asked for a nice bottle of malt whisky
Same as my dad! Good luck! xx
I love the advent trees, such a fab idea! The lights all look amazing too, love how the kids were mesmerised by them. We need new lights this year so this would be an amazing prize to! I have asked Santa for a spa day….
I would LOVE a spa day! Maybe I’ll stick that on my list! Good luck with the competition! xx
Popping back from #MarvMondays and to look at your gorgeous photos again – it’s getting me excited for putting up our tree this weekend!
An airline ticket to Australia 😉
Oh fabulous!! Good luck! xx
Aww such cute little trees I bet they loved decorating them. I use to have a mini tree as a child and definitely want to do the same for Blake as he gets older.
They really enjoyed it, plus it means I can decorate the main tree without them hanging ten baubles on every branch!! xx
A bead for my bracelet.
Good luck! xx
I have been dropping hints about getting one of those tassimo coffee makers, I’m not sure the hint is being taken though!
Oh no! Keep dropping the hint!! xx
LOVE these photos of the kiddies 🙂
We have got ours up too! Couldn’t wait no longer.
Lights 4 you have a great selection to choose from xx
Jayne @ Sticky Mud and Belly Laughs recently posted…DIY Wooden Advent Calendar With HobbyCraft
Thanks Jayne. Haha why not, it will be here before we know it!! xx
I’d I haven’t asked for anything but I’d be very happy with a new fluffy dressing gown 😉
Oh me too! Good luck! xx
What a lovely idea for them to decorate their own tree. I may have to pinch that idea too. Have entered the competition too Thank you for linking up to #EatSleepBlogRT
Catie recently posted…Book Corner: Message in a bottle
It was very easy and fun too! Good luck with the competition! xx
iPad Pro
Good luck! xx
What a lovely giveaway! I love how those decorations are looking btw! Really puts me in the festive mood reading this post!
Thank you! Good luck!
Such a beautiful post and pictures. I love Christmas 🙂 I will be asking Santa for some shoes, most probably 😉
clairejustine recently posted…Creative Mondays Link Up!! …
Thank you! Good luck! xxx
Well from today I’m thinking we need a nice set of new towels! We already need a new mattress. I’ve bought the things I want myself as I’ve seen them… Oops!
Haha I bought myself a present the other day and told my husband he owed me the money! xx
What an ace idea. #marvmondays
Thank you! xx
some travelogue or offbeat gardening books
Good luck! xx
a new big screen super duper T V
Sounds like my husband! Good luck! xx
I would like perfume and a new jacket from Santa
Good luck! xx
Love your pictures. The lights look amazing. I’ve asked for nothing this year, I’ve got everything I need!
Thank you! I never know what to ask for either! xx
I’ve asked for an experience day. I want to do something fun and be surprised!
That sounds fab! Good luck! xx
Grandad wants socks,many pairs and all the same colour and the same next year please.
Haha good luck! xx
that’s a really lovely Christmas decoration and the giveaway is awesome! I’ll tell to my friends too x
Natalia Molinero recently posted…One Simple Secret for Boosting your Energy Levels
Thank you so much! xxx
I have asked Santa for nothing this year, as funds are a bit tight and we have 4 children, but I would like some new trainers 🙂
We are the same, it’s all about the kids anyway. xx
If Santa could make sure that I have enough money to live on that would be the only gift I would need this Xmas. A great giveaway.
Ana De- Jesus recently posted…Jord Watch Giveaway
Oh me too! Good luck! xx
i havent asked for anything yet, but wouldnt mind some theatre tickets x
Oh me too! Good luck! xx
all I want for ristmas is to book our wedding and for our son to enjoy the day.
Ahh lovely! Good luck! xx
What a fantastic competition! I am going to be super cheesy and just say that I’d like everyone to be happy and well this Christmas. Please Santa, no more bugs! Thank you so much for being a part of the #bigpinklink it’s great to have you with us!
Louise Pink Pear Bear recently posted…Big Pink Link 41
Ahh me too! I am so sick of these germs, we’ve been housebound for four days and I swear I’m losing the will to live! Thanks for hosting as always. xx
I love Christmas lights. I find them so pretty. Loving the photos here.
Thank you! xx
I have asked for one of those mechanical propelling pencil sets.
Oh haven’t heard of those! Good luck! xx
A new kitchen, but I don’t think he receives my letters
Haha or mine! xx
I’ve asked Santa for an Amazon TV Stick
Ooh I’d love one! good luck! xx
Awww how cute are their little xmas trees
Kara recently posted…A Weekend Break in Lyme Regis with English Country Cottages
Thank you! Bit premature but they do look fab! xx
Some lovely new bed linen, towels and soft furnishings are always much appreciated. I like giving the place a new look for the new year. Merry Xmas x
Me too! good luck! xx
I would love a surprise, something that I haven’t had to drop massive hints for lol.
hah me too! Good luck! xx
A lovely prize
Thank you, good luck! xx
A Kaiser Chiefs hoody
Good luck! xx
A Kindle or perfume
Good luck! xx
an ice cream maker :))))))
I got one last year! It’s fab! xx
This is such a lovely little project and I adore the photo of little miss opening the box of lights! I haven’t asked for anything for Christmas, I can’t think of a single thing I really want or need x
Ahh me too, her face makes me tear up! I can never think of anything for Christmas either, new pyjamas if I’m lucky! xx
My two have not got the one chocolate a day concept either 🙂 This is a really lovely project hun, I love it xx
Glad it’s not just mine. Harry has eaten all 24 chocolates and started on the girls! I better stock up on more for December! xx
I have asked Santa for a McQueen scarf, fingers crossed!
Ooh jealous! Good luck! xx
I love the ideas of the christmas tree advent calendars – I’d never even thought about doing something like this! We will definitely think about it for next year! #marvmondays
Cherry – The Newby Tribe recently posted…Wonderful Winter At Waddesdon Manor
It was so easy and they look fab! Thank you for reading! xx
I have asked for a new bag
Good luck! xx
For someone else to wash up for a change
Haha oh me too! xxx
A sat nav as I have just passed my test and can’t wait to go on adventures! 🙂
Congratulations! Good luck! xx
I’ve asked for a sewing machine and I’ve been a good girl so 😀
Haha fingers crossed for you! xx
I have loads on my list, bt really in need of some new Pjs and slippers
Me too, always! xx
a nice winter coat 🙂
Nice! Good luck! xx
I have asked for a fitbit! x
Ooh fab, good luck! xx
I love Christmas! It’s my favourite time of year. This year I’ve asked for a MacBook.. I can’t see it happening mind haha #MarvMondays
Amie recently posted…Peppa? Damaging?
Ahh I would love one too! Fingers crossed! xx
I have asked for some new strings for my guitar, some chockys and some walking boots.
Good luck! xx
i have asked santa for a new eye palette
Good luck! xx
Perfune
Good luck! xx
WOULD LOVE AN ASTON MARTIN
HAHAH me too!!! xx
I love that the lights are inter-connectable, saves having one very long tangle to deal with each year. On my wish list this year is a nice pair of colourful leather gloves (I’ve just noticed all mine are miserable black 😉 )
That’s the best part, and only one plug socket needed! xx
nothing in particular just some time off to relax!
Havent even thought what I would like, been so busy getting things together for my family in South Africa.
What a fabulous giveaway so seasonal inspired,
This year I have asked for some expensive perfume along with world peace and a happy Christmas for all. I hope I get all of them
Good luck! xx
The kids have done a great job decorating the trees.
Lisa Backsnbumps recently posted…Back Pain Relief
Thank you! xx
e-books galore 🙂
Have asked Santa to wait and get the new a new ipad early next year if one is released
Ooh fingers crossed for you! xx
What a great idea Laura! I would never have thought of making advent calendar trees, very clever, and so much fun for the little ones too! Reading your post has got me really excited about putting up all our decorations now, its looking very festive at yours 🙂 Fab giveaway too, I’ve entered so fingers crossed! Thanks for sharing this on #MarvMondays. Emily
Fingers crossed for you!! I’m feeling super festive now, the countdown is on!! xxx
a new computer- mine sounds like a helicopter taking off
Oh no! Good luck! xx
I’ve asked for some new slippers and pyjamas. (And hopefully a few uninterrupted sleeps to enjoy them!)
Jess Powell (Babi a Fi) recently posted…This Week #58
Good luck! I would love that too! xx
Pj’s slippers and smellies for me!
Good luck! xx
I have asked for some new clothes
Good luck! xx
a sparkly watch
Good luck! xx
I’ve asked for a pair of irregular choice shoes and taken the hard work out of it for him by ordering them myself!
Haha good for you! xx
I’ve asked Santa for a new laptop – or a hammer to ‘fix’ this annoyingly slow one 😉
Haha good luck! xx
Its always a difficult question as my birthday is 2 weeks before Christmas so there is never really anything left that i need by Christmas…. my hubby is fab at surprises though and I have asked for some new cosy PJ’s and a few books.
Fab giveaway thanks so much for the chance to win xx
Happy birthday when it comes! And good luck! xx
I have asked for tickets to the Cheltenham festival, the same as every year!
Ooh lovely! Good luck! xx
I’d like some Liz Earle products
Good luck! xx
I’ve asked for some beauty treatments – it’s always nice to be pampered!
Good luck! xx
Asked for a Scan and Cut Machine I should be so lucky.
Oh good luck! xx
Some nice warm UGGs
Ooh me too! Good luck! xx
A new iPod with loads of storage!
Good luck! xx
I’d like dome sparkly Swarovski jewellery!
Good luck! xx
Love your little trees – great idea! I haven’t asked for anything – Santa can surprise me! 🙂
Thank you! xx
It won’t happen, but a new laptop or phone would be nice.
Ah fingers crossed!xx
Some Lush items
I LOVE lush!! xx
Fit bit 2
I have asked for chocolates and books
Good luck! xx
A new set of speakers for the house!
Good luck! xx
Some sheepskin mule slippers – the dog has chewed my old ones!
Oh no! Good luck! xx
I have asked for some new clothes and perfume
Good luck! xx
Thanks for the competition x
Good luck! xx
I have asked Santa for tickets for a luxury oliday in New York.
I’ve asked Santa for Tickets to see Smokie in February.
Merry Christmas! I’ve asked Santa for a nice new jumper.
a back massager
Good lucK! xx
This year from Santa I’ve asked for a new toothbrush! Dental hygiene is key people!
Haha very true! Good luck! xx
I would really love a Combination Microwave this year, don’t know if I’ll get one like x
Oooh good luck! xx
I would like to be able to complete my driving lessons and take my test x
Good lucK! xx
smellies
Good luck! xx
I’ve asked Santa for a new camera so I can capture more memories of my family and friends.
Good luck! xx
i have asked for books
I’ve already had my present – a new DSLR camera! But I’m hoping my mum or mother-in-law has got me a nice little something like a new pair of pjs 🙂 x
Steph at Mental Parentals recently posted…Me and Mine – November 2016
family health 🙂
I would like a new tv or a new tablet 🙂
I asked for a new sofa…. and Santa is very efficient because it’s being delivered on Monday!
OddHogg recently posted…Pick n Melt Christmas Gift Set – Review
A new hoover!!
I would love some perfume
I am asking Santa for a positive pregnancy test this Christmas xx
A washer dryer – I know boring or what – but it’s the only thing I real need rather than endless list of wants
A new watch 🙂
I’ve asked for a new television – and he’s delivered early thanks to some good deals last week!
I would love an Artisan Mixer my old one has broken and i really miss it!
I’ve asked santa for a beautiful pair of earrings x
DAB radio
New PJ’s 🙂
A mazing chrit with my family.
I would love a new pair of boots
I have asked santa for a new fryer
I would love Estee Lauder Makeup
I would love Estee Lauder Makeup
A new laptop
I love to have a new wardrobe
Santa does not exist, i’m not 12
A sewing machine or money to put towards one
A radio and a few bottles of wine
This year i have asked Santa for a Willow Tree figurine 🙂 x
I’d love some new charms for my pandora bracelet
I have asked for a new Fitbit Charge 2. My fitbit is slowly dying now and I am constantly in fitness competitions with people.
slippers big fluufffffyyyyyy warm ones
I’ve asked for perfume (Pomelo by Jo Malone) my absolute favourite
I have asked Santa for a big tub of Liquorice Allsorts.
wife to get better
I would love to get a robot vacuum cleaner 🙂
We have recently moved house so most of my Christmas wishes are for rather mundane items like a new kettle and toaster.
Good luck! xx
I have asked him for a new rug for the lounge – if only he could decorate it for me too! x
Haha us too! Good luck! xx
Hunter wellies xx
Good luck! xx
I have asked SANTA for a white Christmas xxx
Good luck! That would be lovely! x
A new camera!
Nice! Good luck! xx
Haven’t asked for anything!
Good luck! xx
I asked for a stand mixer, for lots of new year baking fun!
Ooh lovely! Good luck! xx
I’d love a couple of good books??
Me too! Good luck! xx
Not sure I’ve asked for anything! Oh yes, a new glue gun since my youngest left mine plugged in for several days, on top of bubble wrap, and it burnt itself out. Good job it didn’t burn the house down actually!
Oh no!!! That’s very lucky! Good luck! xx
I’ve asked him for a new phone (but I don’t think he heard!)
Oh no! Hope he does! xx
a fitbit, in the hope it will encourage me to get up and moving instead of slobbing about reading blogs 😉
Haha good luck! xx
i have asked sant for a new watch
Good luck! xx
A new ipad 😀
Good luck!! xx
I’ve asked for a new handbag
Good luck! xx
we are only do presents for kids this year as we need to do stuff to house
Ahh us too, good luck! xx
I’ve asked for a heated hairbrush styler x
Good luck! xx
i would love some new hoseware furnishings including a new pedal bin for my kitchen
Good luck! xx
i would love some new hoseware furnishings including a new pedal bin for my kitchen
Good luck! xx