mini advent stockings | Christmas decorating

by | Dec 2, 2021 | All Things Home, Decorating, Holiday, Winter | 9 comments

This post may contain affiliate links.

Several years ago, I purchased runners, pillow covers, and other handmade linens from Ann of On Sutton Place to sell in my retail spaces.  I had learned that despite my most determined DIY efforts, I couldn’t make everything I sold.  I just couldn’t keep up and I needed to find things I could hire out and buy wholesale.  Ann is wonderfully creative and did beautiful work with antique linens, so it was a good match.  I also bought mini stockings from her for Christmas and requested she make 24 for me to use as an advent calendar.  I even sent her my grain sack and fabric scraps from upholstery work for her to use.

Ann made a beautiful set for me that I have used as a countdown for Christmas every year since.

I purchased some numbered clay tags on Etsy to number them.  Sadly, the shop I bought them from is no longer selling, you can find or make similar tags.

mini advent stockings | Christmas decorating | miss mustard seed

I love how each one is unique, which gives this mini stocking advent calendar tons of personality.  In our last house, I hung the mini advent stockings strung together in a garland from the end of our bed.  I love how it brought a festive touch into the master bedroom, which was visible from the family room, and it gave me some control over our boys sneaking a peek!

mini advent stockings | Christmas decorating | miss mustard seed

I would put little toys, cars, and candy for both of them in the stockings each evening for them to collect in the morning.  When we did the Lego Advent calendar a few years, I would put the little packages into the mini advent stockings and they would take turns building them.

In our new house, I hang the mini advent stockings on our dining room Christmas tree.  Even though the boys are teenagers, they still love them and we play the little game that “elves” are filling the stockings each day while they are at school.  Sometimes the elves get busy working and they forget and I have to send the boys back outside so the elves can fill the stocking.  We have a good time with it.

mini advent stockings | Christmas decorating | miss mustard seed

I….er, the elves…fill the stockings with Christmas chocolates, small brain teaser puzzles, and sometimes a clue to a hiding place where a larger surprise is waiting.

mini advent stockings | Christmas decorating | miss mustard seed

I remember as a kid how slowly time seemed to pass in December as we anticipated Christmas.  Having an advent calendar to count down the days gave me something to look forward to each day, satisfying my eagerness, but also building excitement for Christmas morning.  I think it’s a wonderful tradition, especially for kids.

mini advent stockings | Christmas decorating | miss mustard seed

And my mini grain sack advent stockings have become a part of our family tradition.  I’m guessing they will be passed down to future generations to help them celebrate the countdown to Christmas.

mini advent stockings | Christmas decorating | miss mustard seed

Even though it’s December 2, it’s not too late to start an advent calendar countdown this year and plan for next year.

As a funny advent story, Calvin’s history teacher gave everyone in the class a chocolate-filled advent calendar.  He came home from school and asked if he could eat some chocolate for his afternoon snack. I told him that was fine.  Well, one entire empty advent calendar later…  I didn’t realize he intended to eat the entire thing in one sitting!  “Mom, it’s only 20 carbs.”

“Well, it’s done, so do your insulin for it.  You do realize Christmas won’t come any sooner because you opened all of the doors in one day, right?”

These boys keep us on our toes.

My friend, Emily of Penny & Ivy, makes the sweetest mini stockings out of antique fabrics and grain sacks and she is launching another collection of them this Saturday, December 4, 2021, at 6:00 pm CST.  Use code MUSTARDSEED10 to get 10% off your purchase from her online shop HERE.

mini advent stockings | christmas decorating | peen & ivy | miss mustard seed

Here are a few more mini stocking options to use as Christmas decorations or for Advent.  The knit and crochet ones are just adorable!

 

 

Receive a Daily Dose of Encouragement and Inspiration!

Stay Inspired with Marian's Daily Blog Posts

Sign up to receive uplifting blog posts directly in your inbox! Join our community of like-minded individuals and start your day with a burst of creativity, motivation, and positivity. Whether you’re seeking decorating tips, DIY projects, or simply a dose of inspiration, Marian’s daily posts are sure to brighten your day and ignite your creativity. Don’t miss out on your daily dose of encouragement – subscribe now!

    9 Comments

    1. Beverlee Lyons

      Those stories with your boys. Precious, and I know you try to keep your real life private, so I appreciate you sharing these tidbits.

    2. Irene Kelly

      Love the advent calendar stories, I did not grow up with an advent calendar and since I never had children do not have one even to this day. But you are so right how it passes away the time for kids during December. Plus it hypes the anticipation up a few notches. Love your neutral color scheme especially using the grain sack fabric.

    3. Linda Ebright

      Inspired by posts by you and Ann, I made my own set of little stockings several years ago. I had some nice raw linen that I used to sew stockings. Then I used red markers (carefully, no judgement!) and added some subtle stripes and patterns. With the texture of the linen, they turned out surprisingly convincing. But I want to know where you got the adorable little numbers you added? Those are adorable!

    4. Tonya

      Could you publish the size of these darling stockings? I may have to make some!

    5. Gloria

      These are adorable! What size are they?

    6. Leone

      I was so intrigued with the stockings on your tree last year. This fall I made a dozen from antique grain sack with mixed styles of blue stripes and am using them clipped to two garlands at the top of my china cabinet’s doors. Yours are so varied and lovely. Thank you for the family stories you include.

    7. Vicki

      I love the advent stockings. I didn’t know Ann made these sweet stockings! Such a funny story about the school advent calendar and the chocolate. Boys are so much fun!

      I would love to know about the wallpaper in your bedroom shown here. It is such a beautiful design and color!

      • Vicki

        I found the wall treatment in your last house link. Thank you!

    8. Jennifer W

      I love your goat cart! All of your trees are so special and unique but I have to say, I like this tree holder the best! ??

    Hello!

    Marian Parsons - Miss Mustard Seed

    I’m Marian, aka Miss Mustard Seed, a wife, mother, paint enthusiast, lover of all things home and an entrepreneur, author, artist, designer, freelance writer & photographer.  READ MORE to learn more about me, my blog and my business…

    Let's Connect

    WATCH ON YOUTUBE

    decorating, projects, and recipes for spring

    Categories

    Articles by Date

     

    our sponsors

     

     

    Bliss and Tell Branding Company

     

    Pin It on Pinterest

    Share This