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Nativity advent calendars

Nativity advent calendar fold out calendar with 24 doors. Code ADV26 traditional nativity advent calendars

Are you a teacher looking for something for the classroom or just someone who likes to send a card with a true Christmas meaning? Whatever nativity advent calendars you are looking for there is a good choice here.

NFlamingo Paperie Christmas cards Nativity stable advent calendar XADV01ativity stable advent calendar

A full size advent calendar with both stand out and slot in pieces. This advent looks even better if you add a straw base (and it helps you stand the pieces up a little easier too!).

This is beautifully illustrated by Kate Garrett with all the nativity characters, animals, angels and a star to put right at the top.

This advent calendar is available direct from my Flamingo Paperie shop. Click here to go there.

Nativity advent calendar fold out calendar with 24 doors. Code ADV26 traditional advent calendarNativity advent calendars

This is a truly traditional advent calendar with 24 doors to open. The calendar opens out to a 3D scene of Bethlehem and the surrounding area. Open a door each day leading up to Christmas. Illustrated by Anna Cattermole.

This is available in my Cards and Gift Wrap shop. Click here.

Bethlehem advent calendar traditional German style advent calendar Phoenix Trading cards traditional advent calendarBethlehem advent calendar

Beautifully illustrated by Sarah Summers, this was a best selling advent from Phoenix Trading. Sadly discontinued and only a couple left in stock. With 24 slot in pieces you could use this advent calendar year after year.

Available from Cards and Gift Wrap. Click here.

Christmas Nativity advent calendar cardChristmas Nativity advent calendar card xac03

If you’re looking for a small advent calendar that will post for the price of a regular stamp then you can’t get better than this. Also illustrated by Sarah Summers with 24 mini doors to open.

This is a card with an advent calendar on the front. The greeting inside reads ‘Best wishes for Christmas and the New Year’ and this is available from my Flamingo Paperie shop. Click here.

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Christmas Advent Books

advent books

Have you heard of Christmas Advent Books? If you have children then I think this is a must leading up to Christmas. The idea is simple. Wrap up 24 Christmas books and unwrap one each night before bed leading up to Christmas Eve. You can wrap your advent books randomly or you can plan which one you have each night. If you want to do it randomly then you don’t even need to add numbers. We put our tree up at the beginning of advent or the beginning of December. Then after I’ve wrapped the advent books I place them under the tree. Here are some of our favourite advent books, in no particular order.

Favourite Christmas Advent Books

The Snow Day by Richard Curtis

A snowy day, a deserted school and the teacher you least want to see. Welcome to Snow Day, the most magical day of the year . . .

When Danny goes to school one quiet, snowy morning, the last thing he expects to find is a deserted school and his least favourite teacher. But that’s exactly what he does find. And what starts as the worst day imaginable, ends as the most life-affirming and magical day of the year.

An incredibly moving story about finding friendship in the most unexpected of places.

Rudy’s Windy Christmas by Helen Baugh

While Santa and Mrs. Claus eat their dinner, Santa sneakily feeds his sprouts to one of the reindeer rather than eat them himself. The result is, uh, smelly, to say the least. Now, Rudy can’t seem to stop releasing windy pops from his backside as he and the other reindeer help Santa deliver presents on Christmas Eve. The rest of the reindeer are downwind from Rudy and they are not handling the sprouty wiffs so well. They laugh so heartily at Rudy’s rear-end trumpet that they simply cannot fly the sleigh as usual. It’s up to Rudy’s super-turbo gas to get them back home.

Papov’s Special Day by Mig Holder

Originally written by French author Reuben Saillens and later retold by Leo Tolstoy, this endearing story has now acquired the status of a folk-tale. The heart-warming story of Papa Panov’s generosity reflects the true spirit of Christmas. It is Christmas Day, and Papa Panov, the lonely old shoemaker, is expecting a special visitor. Things do not turn out at all as he thought, but by the end of the day the sparkle is back behind his little spectacles. A beautiful gift edition of a much-loved classic.

The Empty Stocking by Richard Curtis

The Empty Stocking – a brilliantly funny Christmas story by Richard Curtis and Rebecca Cobb.
In this fantastically funny and heartwarming story by Richard Curtis it’s Christmas Eve and there’s one very important question on everyone’s mind – have YOU been good this year? For twins Sam and Charlie this is a big worry. Charlie has been especially naughty and everyone is sure that she won’t get any presents AT ALL. But when Santa makes a mistake, it’s up to Charlie to put things right…

Letters from Father Christmas by J R R Tolkien

Every December an envelope bearing a stamp from the North Pole would arrive for J.R.R.Tolkien’s children. Inside would be a letter in strange spidery handwriting and a beautiful coloured drawing or some sketches. The letters were from Father Christmas.

They told wonderful tales of life at the North Pole: how all the reindeer got loose and scattered presents all over the place; how the accident-prone Polar Bear climbed the North Pole and fell through the roof of Father Christmas’s house into the dining-room; and how he broke the Moon into four pieces and made the Man in it fall into the back garden; how there were wars with the troublesome horde of goblins who lived in the caves beneath the house!

Sometimes the Polar Bear would scrawl a note, and sometimes Ilbereth the Elf would write in his elegant flowing script, adding yet more life and humour to the stories. No reader, young or old, can fail to be charmed by the inventiveness and ‘authenticity’ of Tolkien’s Letters from Father Christmas.

The Nutcracker by Emma Helbrough

This sumptuous picture book is based on the beloved classic and retold for younger children to provide an ideal introduction to the story. This gorgeous book with its vibrant illustrations is sure to enthrall very young children as well as those just beginning to read. It is a delightful present for any child lucky enough to go to the ballet at Christmas, and wonderful compensation for those who aren’t.

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

Ebenezer Scrooge is a mean-spirited old man who hates everything – even Christmas! But when three spirits visit him one Christmas Eve, Scrooge is taken on a journey into the past, present and future that will change him forever. Specially rewritten as part of the Usborne Young Reading Programme for readers growing in confidence.

The Christmas Cobwebs by Lesley Sims

This is an enchanting retelling of a traditional German tale, written for children just learning to read. It’s Christmas Eve and all is ready for Christmas – until seven spiders cover the tree in cobwebs. Will Christmas Day be ruined – or can Father Christmas save the Day?

How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Suess

With a heart two sizes too small, the Grinch is the meanest creature you’ll ever meet. He hates Christmas and the whole festive season. But when he hatches a dastardly plot to steal Christmas, he’s in for a big surprise!

With hilarious rhymes and beautiful illustrations, this classic seasonal story has become a favourite for good reason and teaches readers the true meaning of Christmas.

Twas the Night Before Christmas by Clement C Moore

It’s Christmas Eve, and the entire house is sleeping-all except one little boy, woken by the jingle of bells and the clatter of reindeer hooves on the roof. As he tiptoes downstairs, who will he find?

Katie’s London Christmas by James Mayhew

When Katie and Jack are woken up late on Christmas Eve by a loud sneeze, little do they realise that they are about to embark on the most amazing evening! Soon they are flying high across London, over snow-dusted landmarks, through the star-scattered sky with the one and only Father Christmas, in his sleigh, with his magical reindeer! But can they help Father Christmas to deliver all his presents and be back in time for Christmas morning?

Norman the Slug who Saved Christmas by Sue Hendra

When a sack of presents lands – THWACK – right by Norman’s stocking he is overcome with excitement. He really must have been a very good slug this year. But after a frenzy of unwrapping he spots a label – and realises that none of the presents were meant for him, but had in fact fallen off Father Christmas’s sleigh. Norman knows he has to get the presents to the family they’re meant for – but how can he manage it on time? Can one little slug save Christmas?

Sproutzilla by Tom Jamieson

Jack loves everything about Christmas. Except for one thing: he does not like Brussels sprouts. When Jack’s parents bring home the largest sprout he has ever seen, things are about to get out of control. Sproutzilla is the meanest, greenest Christmas ruining vegetable ever and now he’s heading straight towards Santa! It’s up to Jack to save Christmas, and there’s only one way to do it . . . He’ll have to eat the sprouts!

Farmyard Tales Lift the Flap Christmas by Heather Amery

A picture book with over 30 flaps to lift, in which the Boot family prepare for Christmas, and Poppy and Sam wonder whether Santa will bring them what they asked for. An interactive reading experience for young children, who will love to lift the robust flaps to find out what Christmas surprises are hiding underneath.

Usborne Lift the Flap Nativity by Felicity Brooks

This illustrated volume provides a sensitive telling of the nativity story which aims to evoke a sense of wonder and mystery in very young children. The detail of this flap book incorporates details such as mice hiding in the corner of baby Jesus’ manger.

Puzzle Christmas by Susannah Leigh

This book provides a fun, seasonal adventure across Christmas Land with puzzles for young children to answer on every double page. Brightly coloured, detailed illustrations in cartoon style along with plenty of maps and guides help children experience the absorbing adventure. It is perfect for keeping young minds active over the holiday season. Answers and hints are on the last two pages of the book.

The Very First Christmas by Louis Stowell

An enchanting picture book retelling of the original Christmas story for very young children. Beautifully illustrated by Elena Temporin, this is a wonderful gift for young children.

The Usborne Book of Christmas Poems edited by Sam Taplin

This is a sparkling collection of festive poems for children that form the perfect companion for Christmas. The magic of Christmas fills the pages, with a delightful mixture of well-loved classic verse and lively contemporary poetry. All lavishly illustrated by Anna Luraschi. This title includes poems by William Wordsworth, Christina Rossetti, Alfred Tennyson, Thomas Hardy, Charles Causley, Gerald Manley Hopkins, Benjamin Zephaniah and John Hegley. It is a lovely read-aloud book to share with younger children too.

Let it Glow: A Winter’s Walk by Owen Gildersleeve

Celebrate the holiday season with this book featuring real lights that glow with every turn of the page.

Set in a winter wonderland, follow one child on his journey home through a snowy landscape. Diecuts reveal lights throughout, becoming lit-up shop windows, carol singers’ candles, stars in the sky and finally a star on the tree. Told in verse, this gift book will bring the magic of Christmas into everyone’s home.

Aliens Love Panta Claus by Claire Freedman

Everyone’s favourite aliens are full of the festive spirit and so they are giving away their beloved underpants – shock, horror! Join them as they help out in Santa’s busyworkshop, put neon pants on Rudolph and tie knickers up in the place of stockings. But remember to hold on to your pants – this special pants giveaway is for one day only. Ho-ho-ho! Merry Christmas!

Father Christmas Needs a Wee by Nicholas Allan

At each different house that he visits Father Christmas drinks and eats all the goodies left out for him. Before long he really, really, really needs a wee. So much so that he even forgets to leave the presents behind. But he dashes back, delivers all the pressies and flies home at high speed to avoid an embarassing accident . . . There’s just one tiny problem . . . He’s lost his house key!

Mog’s Christmas by Judith Kerr

The house is full of strange bustling noises and peculiar smells. Everyone is busy hanging holly and blowing up balloons, and where is that tree going?

Disconcerted by all the unusual activities, Mog escapes to the roof, and there she stays…until, unexpectedly, she returns with a bump!

“Happy Christmas, Mog!”

Paddington and the Christmas Surprise by Michael Bond

When the Browns take Paddington to the Christmas grotto at the local department store, their journey through the Winter Wonderland is full of unexpected surprises. But the best surprise is a present from Santa. After all, who else would find the perfect present for a bear like Paddington?

 

Join Paddington on his festive adventure as he discovers why Santa Claus makes everyone’s Christmas so special.

Your favourite advent books?

What are your favourite advent books? If your advent books aren’t on the list above then I’d love to add them. Please comment on the post and I can add them in.

If you like doing advent books then you might also like our Traditional Advent Calendars

 

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Flamingo Paperie

Flamingo Paperie has now closed down but it’s fabulous range of cards, gift wrap, charity Christmas cards, traditional advent calendars and stationery were well known for their beautiful illustrations and great quality.

I was an Independent Executive Flamingo Partner. I still have much of the fabulous Flamingo range of cards, gift wrap and stationery and I also stock other non Flamingo items such as colour in tablecloths and other gift wrap on this website.

Be the first to know

If you want to receive exclusive special offers, sneak previews and information about new releases as they happen and/or the latest Flamingo brochure then click here.

If you really love Flamingo Paperie then you need to also join my Flamingo Customer Club and you’ll get a free gift with your first order in my Flamingo Shop.

What’s New?

Flamingo Paperie Christmas Cards 2018

The new Flamingo Paperie range is out now. We have an exciting Christmas range for 2022 including our traditional advent calendars and our well-known advent calendar cards.

New products come out about 5 times a year. If you’d like to be up to date with the latest just ask.

Click here to see the Christmas 2022 range.

You can still get hold of a few Phoenix Trading products. Just ask me if there is something from the old range you want to get hold of. I may well have it in stock and if not I’ll do my best to find it!

If you have questions about becoming a Flamingo Partner then perhaps my FAQs will help. Get in touch and we can work out what’s best for you.

Sign up now to my Customer Club if you would like me to send you special offers, sneak previews. You can also be involved in the design of new products and more.

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Why I send Christmas cards

I have to say that contrary to the popular phrase, ‘No one sends Christmas cards anymore’ I think most of my friends and family do. So, I wanted to add a little post about why I send Christmas cards.

1 People like receiving Christmas cards

When all we get through the letterbox these days is junk mail and bills, we all love it at Christmas time when there’s a heap of cards from the postman. It certainly cheers me up when a few cards fall on the door mat. My children equally love to be able to open lots of mail.

2 It’s an opportunity to catch upadvent-calendar-cards2

I’m not the best at keeping in touch with friends and family. While Facebook and the like are good for these things, it is so much nicer to receive a hand written note.

3 It’s fun choosing the right card

There are so many great cards out there. Of course taking the time to hand make a card is extra special but if time doesn’t allow that there are so many lovely Christmas cards available. My favourite are our advent calendar cards as these are just that little bit different.

4 Cards help decorate the home

Glitter, sparkles and pop out bits. Beautiful flowers, snow scenes and nativity stables. All these help to make the home festive and welcoming at Christmas.

5 Christmas cards make someone feel special

Finally, I think, Christmas cards show someone they are important. The fact you’ve taken time out of your busy life to think of them and write a card speaks volumes in someone’s life.

Take time to send a few cards and help someone know they are special to you.

What was the most memorable Christmas card you received? Let us know in the comments.

ALL our Christmas Cards are charity cards!

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Traditional Advent Calendars

traditional advent calendars

You know Christmas isn’t far away when it’s time to start opening your advent calendar. I remember every advent calendar I had when I was little. They were all traditional advent calendars with 24 little doors to open. Even if I got a new one the next year I would still reuse the old one pushing the doors shut as tightly as I could so I could reopen them again. My children love chocolate but when it comes to advent calendars the delight and wonder of the traditional advent calendar is what they ask for.

Phoenix Trading snowy village advent calendarIf you’re looking for something more traditional this Christmas season then here are some of the best traditional advent calendars you will find. Flamingo Paperie (from the people who brought you Phoenix Trading) have been producing well-known, beautifully illustrated, traditional advent calendars for over 20 years now. With either 24 doors to open or 24 pieces to press out and slot in or stand up, these calendars will stay in the memories for years to come. All printed in the UK and beautifully illustrated.

Whether you love Nativity themed, Santa or just Christmassy there are traditional advent calendars for everyone.

Flamingo Paperie Christmas cards Nativity stable advent calendar XADV01
Nativity Stable

The Nativity Stable, with both slot in and stand up pieces, illustrated by Kate Garrett is our current bestseller. This is a perfect advent for classrooms, Sunday School or at home.

Ski Resort Advent Calendar Flamingo paperie XADV05
Ski Resort

Christmas Ark
Christmas Ark

Tower of London advent calendar 3D with doors and windows to open every day. Code ADV37 traditional advent calendar xadv04 flamingo paperie
Tower of London

advent calendar winter village
Winter Village

Ski Resort, with slot in pieces and illustrated by Julia Rigby.
Christmas Ark, with 24 slot in pieces, illustrated by Julia Rigby.
Tower of London, with a mixture of slot in pieces and doors to open, illustrated by Amanda Loverseed.
Winter Village, with 24 slot in pieces, illustrated by Sue James.

Reindeer Stables Advent Calendar xadv03
Reindeer Stables

The Reindeer Stables, with 24 slot in pieces and illustrated by Amanda Loverseed is our second bestselling advent calendar. Of course you’ll know all the reindeer names but in case you forget one, they’re on each of the stable doors!

If you’d like to see the Winter Village unfold day by day then take a look at my video of the advent calendar being built.

All advent calendars are available here or click on an image to go straight to that calendar. Alternatively keep reading to see some well loved old favourites, available while stocks last here, at Cards and Gift Wrap.

snowy village advent calendar phoenix trading
Snowy Village

'Traditional Christmas Tree advent calendar with pop out pieces to insert each day. Code ADV33 traditional advent calendar
Christmas Tree

Snowy Village, 24 houses to build and place round the village. Elegantly illustrated by Sally Swannell.
Christmas Tree, 24 slot in decorations, Illustrated by Amanda Loverseed.

Bethlehem advent calendar traditional German style advent calendar Phoenix Trading cards traditional advent calendar
Bethlehem

Nativity advent calendar fold out calendar with 24 doors. Code ADV26 traditional advent calendar
Nativity

Bethlehem, with 24 slot in pieces and illustrated by Sarah Summers and Nativity with 24 doors to open in a 3D display, illustrated by Anna Cattermole are both exquisitely illustrated advent calendars depicting the story of Jesus’ birth.

Santas House advent calendar with pop out pieces to insert each day. Code ADV34traditional advent calendar
Santa’s House

If you want something with a Santa theme then the following advent calendars all have some aspect of Santa’s part in the big day.

santas room advent calendar
Santas Room

Santas workshop advent calendar
Santa’s Workshop

Map of the North Lands advent calendar with pop out pieces to insert each day. Code ADV35traditional advent calendar
Map of the North Lands

It's Christmas advent calendar
It’s Christmas

Santa’s House, 24 pieces to slot in, illustrated by Karen Tye Bentley.
It’s Christmas, with 24 slot in pieces and illustrated by Karen Tye Bentley.
Santa’s Workshop, 24 slot in pieces and illustrated by Laura Stone.
Map of the North Lands, 24 slot in pieces, and illustrated by Amanda Loverseed.
Santa’s Room, 24 pieces to slot in, illustrated by Amanda Loverseed.

No Christmas would be complete without a Gingerbread House or a Pantomime (Oh no it wouldn’t!).

Christmas Pantomime advent calendar with stand up pieces and a door to open every day. Code ADV36 traditional advent calendar
Christmas Pantomime

Gingerbread House advent calendar with stand up pieces and a door to open every day. Code ADV30 traditional advent calendar
Gingerbread House

Gingerbread House, 24 doors to open in a 3D scene, illustrated by Louise Angelicas.
Christmas Pantomime, 24 doors to open in a 3D scene, illustrated by Kate Gunn.

If you love the vintage Christmas look then the 3D advent calendars with 24 windows to open each day will give an almost Victorian style to your decor.

'Department Store advent calendar' 3D advent calendar with doors and windows to open every day. Code ADV27 traditional advent calendar
Department Store

Christmas Bakery and Tea shop advent calendar
Christmas Bakery

Department Store and Christmas Bakery both illustrated by Amanda Loverseed.

If you like these then you’ll also love our traditional advent calendar cards. Perfect for popping in the post and like all our Christmas cards they are charity cards too.

Join my customer club to keep up to date with new releases and special offers.