The one tradition I was the most excited about starting when we finally had our first child was some kind of Christmas countdown or advent calendar.
I wanted to have a way to celebrate a little every day as we worked our way toward Christmas on December 25th.
Whether you are new to the advent calendar tradition or just looking to mix things up, here are more than 25 great advent countdown ideas you are sure to love!
Advent Calendar FAQ's
If you are new to the advent calendar tradition, you might have some questions about how it works and how to set it up!
How many days is an advent calendar?
Advent calendars traditionally have 25 days although some calendars will take a 12 Days of Christmas style approach and only have 12 spots. The countdown typically starts on December 1 and runs until Christmas day.
What do you put in an advent calendar?
Some people like to put little treats like candy in their advent calendars. Others like to use more usable gifts like socks, chapstick, pencils or things similar to what you use as stocking stuffers.
Some of my favorite advent calendars aren't about candy or stuff but have reusable things like books or slips of paper with activity suggestions or acts of kindness to do.
DIY Advent Calendars to Make to Countdown to Christmas
Christmas Advent Calendar Countdown with Books
from Creative Green Living
This is a picture of one of the very first advent countdowns I ever made. I wrapped up 24 different Christmas books in kraft paper, tied red yarn around like ribbon in lots of different fun ways and numbered each package.
Each night we opened that day's book and read it together. Even if you don't own 24 books, you can do this with library books, too!
Here are some other bloggers DIY advent calendar and Christmas count down ideas:
from Cherished Bliss
This abbreviated Advent calendar is great for smaller attention spans or for those families that are just too busy during the holiday season.
(40 day Orthodox version available as well)
from Sweet C's Designs
These simple Advent calendar printables produce a lovely calendar that will add class to any home.
from Bombshell Bling
This easy and thoughtful Christmas Coundown Service Chain has a fun personal twist. On each chain write an act of service task to perform for various family and friends.
from Club Chica Circle
This darling Advent calendar can be reused year after year. The printable makes this a fun and simple holiday craft.
from The Scrap Shoppe
This reusable Advent calendar is a unique way to upcycle a used frame.
from Laura's Crafty Life
This cheap Santa Advent calendar, helps kids focus on the things that truly matter during the Christmas season.
from Artsy Fartsy Mama
Using favor tins makes this eye-catching reusable calendar fun to use year after year.
from The Country Chic Cottage
The whimsical Advent calendar recycles toilet paper and paper towel rolls as well as scraps of Christmas paper. Fill with your favorite small treats!
from DIY Inspired
Upcycle an old CD Tower into this beautiful advent countdown shelf that you can use for years to come.
(it's easier thank it sounds!)
from Happiness is Homemade
This beautiful piece can bring memories to your family for years!
from Suzy's Artsy Craftsy Sitcom
This crafty advent calendar will bring joy to children's faces everywhere. Free pattern included!
from The Space Between
This thoughtful advent tree gives random acts of service tasks to pass on the Christmas Spirit.
from The Girl Creative
Use your imagination to create this beautiful Christmas Countdown Board to make it fit with your holiday decor.
from House of Joyful Noise
This easy and elegant snowflake doorway advent calendar is a beautiful way to countdown to Christmas. Slips of paper contain special activities for the day or a task of service to someone. Spread the Christmas cheer.
from A Girl and a Glue Gun
A fun countdown including free printables of fun things to do during December! This easy envelope advent idea is a great way to countdown until Christmas.
from Healthful Mama
This heartfelt advent calendar is easy to make and has a great sample list of eco-friendly activities to use for each daily activity.
from Just Us Four
The adorable little mini clothespins make this little mitten advent calendar a joy for all.
from Northern Feeling
This inexpensive DIY Advent bag calendar can make any banister or fireplace look ready for the holidays!
from The DIY Dreamer
This DIY Christmas countdown sign is great for even novice woodworkers. This is another great one to reuse year after year.
from Our Crafty Mom
A fun magnetic Christmas countdown advent that kids will love using just a few supplies.
from Vicky Myers Creations
Repurpose old ripped jeans to make this stylish mini stocking advent calendar.
from The DIY Dreamer
This Advent calendar can be used to countdown the days by moving an item down each day. Place special treats, notes etc. for each day leading up to Christmas!
from Honest & Truly
This pet advent calendar is easy to make, cute to display and a fun way to include your pets in this timeless tradition.
from The DIY Dreamer
Make this rustic farmhouse style advent calendar to be a pretty addition to your holiday decor.
from Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls
Create an epic LEGO Christmas Countdown with 24 doors to open. Each space can hold a small candy or note.
If you loved this post, you might also be interested in these awesome articles:
- 45 Handmade Christmas Presents for Mom - Gifts Anyone Can Make
- 31 Easy & Inexpensive DIY Gifts your Friends and Family will Love
- 21+ Clever DIY Teacher Gift Ideas that Aren't Mugs
- The Very Best Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Adults
About the Author:
Carissa is an award-winning green lifestyle writer and mom of two active boys. The owner and lead writer for Creative Green Living, she most recently won the "Best Green Lifestyle Blogger" award at ShiftCon 2019 in Atlanta.
Her goal is to empower families to make healthier, more sustainable choices that are beautiful and delicious!
She is also the author of Beautiful Smoothie Bowls (Skyhorse, 2017), Proven Techniques for Keeping Healthy Chickens (Skyhorse, 2018) and The Little Green Book of Mothers' Wisdom (Skyhorse, 2020).
Follow her on Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter or join the Creative Green Living Tribe on Facebook.
Her goal is to empower families to make healthier, more sustainable choices that are beautiful and delicious!
She is also the author of Beautiful Smoothie Bowls (Skyhorse, 2017), Proven Techniques for Keeping Healthy Chickens (Skyhorse, 2018) and The Little Green Book of Mothers' Wisdom (Skyhorse, 2020).
Follow her on Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter or join the Creative Green Living Tribe on Facebook.
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That one with the mittens is so cute!
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