Transform Your Holiday Countdown with This $4 Kmart Hack – You Won't Believe How Simple It Is!

As the festive season twinkles on the horizon, our homes begin to sparkle with the magic of Christmas. The trees are adorned with shimmering lights, and the air hums with carols, signalling it's time to embrace the traditions that make this time of year so special. One such tradition is the advent calendar, a delightful way to count down the days to December 25. While there's a smorgasbord of options available, from the sweet allure of chocolates to the novelty of mini puzzles, one clever Kmart shopper has shared a heartwarming and creative twist on this holiday staple.

Corinne Mayfair (@corinne_mayfair), a social media user and crafty parent, has taken to the internet to showcase her 'favourite Christmas tradition' – a DIY advent calendar that's not only cost-effective but also brimming with festive spirit. Her secret? A simple $4 item from Kmart that transforms the lead-up to Christmas into an enchanting storybook journey for her children.


Corinne's unique approach involves wrapping 24 books – a mix of cherished Christmas tales and beloved classics – in Kmart's $4 brown craft paper. She then adds a personal touch with a $10 pack of acrylic paint markers from the same retailer, turning each package into a miniature work of art. 'I love that it’s so easy and promotes time together,' she shares, highlighting the importance of family bonding during the holiday season.


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Mum of two Corinne Mayfair prepared an advent calendar for her children using books and art materials. Image Credit: TikTok/Corinne Mayfair


The inspiration behind Corinne's DIY advent calendar is as touching as it is practical. She wanted to 'create something special for [her] kids that would help build excitement for the season.' Recognising her daughter's passion for reading, Corinne saw an opportunity to nurture this love while also making good use of their growing collection of Christmas books. 'It’s a way to share some quiet, cosy moments together as a family and build anticipation for Christmas in a meaningful way,' she explains.


The nightly ritual of unwrapping a book offers more than just a fleeting treat; it's a chance to bond, share excitement, and establish new Christmas traditions. It's also an educational experience, introducing children to various books and themes, sparking their imagination, and providing a calming wind-down before bedtime.

For those eager to replicate Corinne's 'hack,' she offers sage advice: Start by selecting a diverse range of books, including new finds and timeless tales. 'We use the same each year, maybe swapping out one or two,' she says, suggesting that wrapping each book individually and numbering them can add to the fun. She encourages making it a family affair, involving the kids in the unwrapping or selection process, and emphasises that the experience is more important than perfection.

The response to Corinne's video, which has amassed over 225,000 views, has been overwhelmingly positive, with many fans calling the idea 'incredible' and expressing their eagerness to adopt this tradition for their own families. The concept has struck a chord with those seeking alternatives to chocolate-filled calendars and those looking for a more meaningful advent experience.


For those on a tighter budget, Corinne and her supporters offer practical tips. Borrowing books from the library, wrapping ones already on your bookshelf, or scouting for sales and second-hand treasures can keep costs down without diminishing the joy. One fan even shared that simply re-wrapping books they already owned was still a hit with their child.

If you're inspired by this idea but concerned about the expense of acquiring 24 new books, remember that the spirit of Christmas isn't measured by the price tag. Whether you opt for Corinne's DIY approach or find a pre-made book advent calendar at Kmart for around $20, the true value lies in the memories you create and the traditions you cherish.
Key Takeaways

  • A Kmart shopper shared her unique DIY advent calendar made from wrapping 24 books in craft paper.
  • The idea was to foster a love for reading in children and create a special family Christmas tradition.
  • Corinne Mayfair provided tips for creating the advent calendar on a budget and suggested reusing books or including non-Christmas themed ones.
  • The concept received high praise on social media, with viewers recognising it as an 'incredible' alternative to traditional chocolate advent calendars.
So, dear members of the Seniors Discount Club, why not add a literary twist to your holiday countdown this year? With a little creativity and a visit to Kmart, you can craft an advent calendar that's both a gift to the imagination and a celebration of togetherness. Share your own holiday hacks and traditions in the comments below – we'd love to hear how you make the season bright!
 
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I’ve been buying the ready made Advent calendars for my grandkids for a few years. They have always loved them. This home made version is a great idea
 

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