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Alternative Advent

Instead of another disposable plastic advent calendar, try these ideas to count down the days in style, have lots of Christmas fun and help others too.

  • 1

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    Day One: Make gift tags and Christmas cards from last years or print on to your own card.
    Make
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  • 2

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    Day Two: Take the kids to see a pantomime or Christmas movie
    Do
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  • 3

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    Day Three: Bake biscuits, add ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg for an extra Christmassy kitchen
    Make
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  • 4

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    Day Four: Do a Christmas quiz with the kids to get in to the spirit
    Do
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  • 5

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    Day Five: Take donations to a food bank to spread the love
    Do
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  • 6

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    Day Six: Make paper snowflakes and tree decorations
    Make
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  • 7

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    Day Seven: Walk around your local area to see the Christmas lights and decorations. Vote for the best ones!
    Do
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  • 8

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    Day Eight: Make gingerbread men or a gingerbread house if you're feeling ambitious!
    Make
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  • 9

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    Day Nine: decorate gift wrap
    Make
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  • 10

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    Day Ten: Go Christmas window shopping in town, then stop off for a big hot chocolate and slice of cake
    Do
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  • 11

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    Day Eleven: Watch a family Christmas film, snuggled up under blankets with lots of popcorn
    Do
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  • 12

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    Day Twelve: Go to your local library to find Christmas books, or get yours out and snuggle up to read at home.
    Do
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  • 13

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    Day Thirteen: Make mince pies, or prepare the Christmas cake!
    Make
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  • 14

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    Day Fourteen: Have a Christmas disco at home.
    Do
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  • 15

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    Day Fifteen: Make space by getting the kids to help clear out toys and donate them to your local charity shop
    Do
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  • 16

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    Day Sixteen: Go for a walk, feed the birds, collect holly and ivy and come home when you can't feel your toes.
    Do
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  • 17

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    Day Seventeen: Have a family Christmas themed carpet picnic on the living room floor.
    Do
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  • 18

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    Day Eighteen: Write and let Santa know what you really really want
    Do
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  • 19

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    Day Nineteen: Visit a Christmas fair, in your local community, or find a Christmas market and feel the festive vibe
    Do
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  • 20

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    Day Twenty: Visit Santa, or visit an elderly neighbour to check on them, or volunteer at a homeless shelter
    Do
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  • 21

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    Day Twenty One: Prepare the reindeer food for when Santa arrives in a few days.. Make an eco glitter free version with oats, cake sprinkles or coloured sugar
    Make
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  • 22

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    Day Twenty Two: Have a family dinner by candlelight to feel the Christmas spirit and lower your carbon footprint too!
    Do
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  • 23

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    Day Twenty Three: Christmas cocktails, Twinkles (prosecco, vodka and elderflower) for the grown-ups and cranberry juice with added berries for the kids
    Make
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  • 24

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    Day Twenty Four: Hang up the stockings, sacks, or pillow cases and don't forget the mince pies and carrots. He's on his way!
    Do
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