Check out clips from Christmas Light displays, local food, and more. Marion, Herrin, and Makanda areas are featured. There are also frugal DIY projects for home, outdoor, and the Christmas Tree.
Grab a cup of hot cocoa or your beverage of choice and enjoy!
National News has been dropping hints that merchandise may run out before Christmas. Only time will tell if that comes to pass. If commercial items become scarce, perhaps shopping local can help a bit.
Regardless, you can still put together your own Advent calendar with local treats and experiences. It doesn’t even have to be fancy, but if you are creatively-inclined, go for it! It can be as simple as 24 envelopes or small wrapped boxes labeled 1-24, each containing a treat, trinket, or experiences.
Although Advent this year technically started on November 27 and goes through December 24, many people use their Advent Calendars by opening the first box or window on December 1.
Southern Illinois is filled with many beautiful Christmas displays, experiences, and unique gifts. Although this post is about Advent calendars, there are many local items that would also make wonderful Hanukkah and Christmas presents.
You and your family or friends will open a box/envelope for each day of December leading up to Christmas Day, when we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Of course, one person will need to assume the role of “Advent Calendar Admin” and fill the Little boxes or envelopes the daily surprises. If it is a small trinket, such as a Christmas ornament or bit of candy, it may fit in the box. If it is something larger, such as the experience of visiting a local Christmas Light Display or tree farm, it goes on a little note. Many also include a Bible verse each day leading up to the birth of Christ.
There are many Christmas events throughout our region. Some of these are listed in the “Events” section of this website and the ASOSI app. I’m sure there are many more wonderful ones, such as church and school Christmas programs and dance recitals.
If you are stumped for gift ideas, L.E.A.F. Food Hub, the online Farmer’s Market, as well as the Carbondale Community Farmer’s Market have more than just wonderful food. You can find great gifts like items like lotions, soaps, and even natural loofah sponges and dish scrubbers are great. Gift certificates for locally owned restaurants are also an option. Be creative. Have fun. More importantly, make some wonderful memories with those you love as you celebrate Christ’s birth.
A Few Resources to Aid in Creating Your Unique Advent Calendar:
Bible Verses for Advent https://happyhomefairy.com/bible-verse-advent-cards-free-printables/
Christmas Lights, Sights, & Sounds: http://asliceofsouthernillinois.com/2020/12/04/christmas-lights-sights-sounds/
Events: http://asliceofsouthernillinois.com/events/
Local Artisans and Crafters: http://asliceofsouthernillinois.com/local-artisans-crafters/
Southern Illinois Eats-2021 Christmas Gift Ideas https://southernillinoiseats.com/2020/11/28/2021-christmas-gift-ideas/
Tastes of Southern Illinois: http://asliceofsouthernillinois.com/tastes/
So, my Christmas Eve Eve episode waited until Christmas Eve to actually post, but we still wish everyone a very Merry Christmas.
This episode has a few frugal Christmas decor DIY’s mingling in with a tour of a few regional Christmas Light display faves and unique shopping experiences. There are a few mouthwatering peeks at food from Drizzle Mini Donuts and Razmo’s too…
Wherever you are in the world, we wish you joy and peace as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
(For those looking for the PDF hot cocoa bar download, it’s in the Cozy Cocoa & More post.)
I’ve been going through a lot of photos and trying to retrieve what I can from my social media accounts. Many were destroyed this past winter when our old residence was burglarized, ransacked and apparently trampled. This has caused me to really want to see some of my photos more often.
I’ve come to the conclusion that it might be nice to have some photos, or even art work by the kids, switched out seasonally. As a kid, my mom replaced some regular decor and photos with Christmas decorations as she carefully decorated our two story house each year. I would like to do a bit more of that again myself.
An easy craft project to make for practically free is a photo frame to easily change out and display multiple photos. They are perfect to keep a photo wall refreshed in a house, easily change out photos in a dorm room or rental, or even serve as a recipe card holder in the kitchen. Make one or a few for yourself or even to gift.
Most of us already have a photo frame that has broken glass that we can no longer use. You can also usually find frames of all sizes in thrift stores and second hand stores. I went with a frame that I purchased for about a dollar in a second hand store. Initially, it was going to be part of room decor. Then I managed to break the glass and had to revamp a bit…
I already had chicken coop wire on hand, so that was basically free, and I had mini clothespins that I had picked up earlier in the year on clearance at the big craft store. I also had some leftover 12 x 12 scrapbook paper from another project. I originally planned to use fabric, but since the paper was the exact size of my frame and very neutral, I went with that.
The basic process is:
IMPORTANT NOTE: It is recommended that you wear gloves (or at least have a current Tetanus shot…) as the wire can be sharp and scratchy. Please be careful!
Fall…
Christmas
Valentine’s Day
Recipe Holder
