I can still picture the advent calendar from my childhood. It was this simple felt wall hanging my grandmother sewed, with 24 totally mismatched pockets. But man, every single morning in December felt like magic. It wasn’t even about the cheap little chocolate inside; it was the ritual, you know? That one handmade thing connected our family to the season and, more importantly, to her. It was so much more than a countdown—it was part of our story. For years now, I’ve been getting my hands dirty making things out of wood, fabric, and pretty much anything else I can … Continue reading How to Make an Advent Calendar That Lasts: From a Simple Branch to a Family Heirloom