Advent or Christmas Countdown Calendar

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A large Christmas countdown calendar for little kids that you can make.

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Little lady is almost 3, so this year we are talking a little more about the meaning of Christmas.  To reinforce the idea of giving and helping during the holiday season I decided to make an advent calendar.

I remember those cardboard ones when I was little, a piece of candy every day leading up to the big day. I loved those!  But, I thought I’d focus on fun activities we can do each day vs. just candy.

Here is what I used for this relatively easy project:

• Plywood (32″ x 40″)
• Fabric to cover the board – I used inexpensive quilting cotton
• Twine
• Clothespins
• Glycine bags
• Washi tape and other decorations for bags and title
• Markers

I covered the board in fabric, securing it on the back with staples and tape. Next I strung 4 lengths of twine horizontally across the board, evenly spaced. This is what the bags will hang on, they are attached to the back with staples.

I numbered and decorated each bag then attached them to the twine on the board with clothespins. These will be easy for my 3 year old to pull off.

For the sign at the top I printed the words Christmas is coming, attached the white paper to black cardstock and decorated the sign with wash tape.

In each bag I put an activity that focuses on fun activities that would help Little lady learn about giving and those who are less fortunate.  I also want her to learn more about the Christian meaning behind Christmas.  

It’s important to do some planning with these cards.  I looked at my calendar to make sure each activity was doable on the day it occurred so she wouldn’t have to wait.

Here is the full list of Christmas countdown calendar activities in no particular order:

• Make popcorn and watch a Christmas movie
• Bake Christmas cookies
• Pick out a toy for Toys for Tots
• Special treat!  Hot cocoa with marshmallows
• Special treat after dinner
• Decorate a gingerbread house
• Gather toys/clothes to donate
• Read a Christmas book
• Read Luke 2
• Make a Christmas craft
• Make a card for someone and mail it
• Go for a drive and look at Christmas lights
• Make an ornament
• Make a garland
• Wrap Christmas presents
• Make cookies for Santa
• Have family game night
• Deliver a treat to Daddy at work
• Color a Christmas picture
• Make a gift for someone special
• Visit Santa
• Read a story about the birth of Jesus
• Watch a Christmas movie
• Play in the snow

I also added a sticker, fruit snacks, or a sucker to each bag. This is where you can customize this calendar to fit your children.

My 3 year old has been staring at this board, anxious to see what’s inside, she can’t wait!

Here are a few more advent and Christmas countdown calendar ideas to try.

Do you use an Advent or countdown calendar in your home?  I’d love to hear how you do it.

Thanks for visiting!

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