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:

The last two years, the Advent "Fairies" have come to our house each day of Advent and they bring experiences rather than "things." Last year I compiled some of our (er, I mean, their!) better ideas and put them onto sheets which I printed and then cut into little cards. I put the cards inside a decorated box (which I dubbed a Holiday Spirit Box). I sold these boxes at a school fundraising event and also gave them as Christmas presents. The idea being that you reached into the box, pulled out a card and picked an idea to fill you with some holiday spirit. Attached is a PDF of the experiences I put in these boxes. There are more ideas than they are the days of Advent, but if this idea spoke to you, you could pull the ideas that would be most fun and meaningful for your family. Whether you use the ideas to count down Advent with experiences or gift someone with a holiday spirit box, I have found sharing meaningful experiences of the season the best gift of all.

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 thoughts

  1. kim in Camas - ScrapToMyLu says…
    11/09/2007

    that is an amazing wreath! Looks like Hops too. WOW! I would almost drive down for that.

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  2. Scrap1 says…
    11/09/2007

    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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  3. Daphne says…
    11/09/2007

    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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  4. erin yamabe says…
    11/09/2007

    ok wow! this is such an awesome project!

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  5. Jodie Winters says…
    11/09/2007

    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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  6. Kara says…
    11/09/2007

    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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  7. mary w says…
    11/10/2007

    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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  8. mary w says…
    11/10/2007

    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!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  9. Jeane says…
    11/10/2007

    Don't forget to remember the reason for the season, the Birth of Jesus Christ!

    Reply 0 Replies
  10. Christi says…
    11/10/2007

    Wonderful! The boxes and wreath look great! Do you have plans to make homemade gifts for friends and relatives for Christmas?

    Reply 0 Replies
  11. Artctrish says…
    11/10/2007

    I think I am going to have to bookmark you...this is a very cool blog...love the inspirational ideas! TFS!

    Reply 0 Replies
  12. Mandy says…
    11/10/2007

    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.

    Reply 0 Replies
  13. EmmaJ says…
    11/10/2007

    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.

    Reply 0 Replies
  14. annie adams says…
    11/10/2007

    Every time I click on your blog, I get more and more excited for Christmas. Thanks for sharing, the boxes look beautiful!

    Reply 0 Replies
  15. Jenny says…
    11/10/2007

    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.

    Reply 0 Replies
  16. Angi Smith says…
    11/10/2007

    Awesome! What a treasure you have made for Simon to help count down the days until Christmas! I just received your book this week and look forward to having some time this afternoon to read.

    Reply 0 Replies
  17. Camille says…
    11/10/2007

    Yeah, after going to the sale *twice* yesterday, those rose hips and hops wreaths were calling out to me so loudly! = ) I have to say though, we sell both through our business so I can go to our shop and make my own, so excited!
    The boxes look so great up there Ali! I'd want to save them and put them up only for the season though, almost makes them more exciting and special.
    Looks wonderful!
    ~Camille

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  18. donab says…
    11/10/2007

    I can't believe you are doing Christmas projects already. I'm still not even ready for Thanksgiving.

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  19. Lisa says…
    11/10/2007

    This is a really great project. Looks really easy and fast to make. Great pictures too.

    Reply 0 Replies
  20. Penny says…
    11/10/2007

    I love how the advent boxes look so graphic on the wall. I think I'd like to try the frame idea too. Maybe attach the boxes to something that's been put inside the frame, like a cork board covered with cool paper, or open chicken wire, something fun. Then you wouldn't have to take boxes off the the wall each year. Excellent job.

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  21. CocoCupcake says…
    11/10/2007

    I'm soo loving those boxes cool idea and they seem fun and easy to do

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  22. Cheryl Hill says…
    11/10/2007

    Ali, I too love the boxes.
    I met you last weekend at CK in Seattle on Sat. morning at your Top 10 class. I asked you to sign two copies of Life Artist and you graciously did so. One copy was for a friend of mine. This copy was stolen from my car last night. I'm hoping that I can ship you another copy that you will sign for her.Please let me know how I may reach you if this is possible. Thanks.

    Reply 0 Replies
  23. Shelley Haganman says…
    11/10/2007

    The boxes look great! It gets me in the mood for the big Christmas countdown! Shelley

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  24. Christine Villacarlos says…
    11/10/2007

    love all of your ideas! :)

    Reply 0 Replies
  25. Paul-ene says…
    11/10/2007

    Oh love that wreath! Love your projects you've been making too. Super ideas! Thanks for sharing! I was wondering how you were going to hook the boxes up to the wall.
    Your always full of inspiration! I should TRY starting early on Christmas season too and incorporate it with Thanksgiving. Make life easier! ha

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