An Advent calendar is a special calendar used to count down the days of Advent leading to Christmas. Originating in 19th-century Germany, the tradition started with simple chalk marks or lighting candles daily. Over time, it evolved into decorative calendars with small doors concealing treats or messages, bringing joy and anticipation to the holiday season.
Advent calendars have since become a beloved symbol of Christmas preparation, cherished for building excitement in both children and adults alike. This article is dedicated to helping you discover how to make a DIY Advent calendar at home. By following these step-by-step instructions, you can create a unique and personalized calendar using simple materials that adds charm and creativity to your holiday festivities while serving as a meaningful countdown to Christmas.
Choosing the Style and Theme of Your Advent Calendar
When creating your DIY Advent calendar, selecting the right style and theme is key to making it memorable and well-suited to your holiday celebrations. With so many options available, you can easily tailor your calendar to fit your creative vision or the preferences of its recipient.
Popular DIY Calendar Styles
Consider styles that are as practical as they are charming. Hanging pockets made from fabric or felt are a classic choice for storing daily surprises. Paper envelopes can be labeled and decorated for a minimalist and cost-effective option. Small boxes arranged on a table or shelf offer flexibility in design, while clothespin lines hanging cards or treats provide a whimsical and space-saving style.
For those who love innovative ideas, jars filled with treats or a wall-mounted tree design are both eye-catching and festive.
Selecting a Theme
Choosing a theme lends coherence and personality to your Advent calendar. Rustic farmhouse themes often feature natural materials like burlap and wood, while minimalist themes employ clean lines and neutral palettes. For families, kid-friendly themes filled with vibrant colors and playful designs work perfectly. Modern styles might incorporate sleek metallics or geometric shapes, whereas faith-based themes can integrate meaningful symbols and scripture.
Matching to Decor or Recipients
To ensure your Advent calendar complements your holiday decor, select colors, patterns, and decorations that align with your home’s existing aesthetic. When creating a calendar for a specific person, consider their favorite colors or hobbies to make it uniquely theirs. A thoughtful match will make your Advent calendar a cherished part of the season.
Materials and Tools You’ll Need
Basic Craft Supplies
To create your Advent calendar, you’ll need some basic craft supplies. Gather scissors, a glue gun, twine, tape, craft paper, cardboard, and numbers that can be in the form of stickers, stamps, or even handwritten. These items will serve as the foundation for assembling and personalizing your calendar.
Containers and Holders
Choose containers or holders to house the daily surprises. Options include small boxes, paper bags, envelopes, fabric pouches, or mini jars. These can vary in size and style depending on your theme and the type of treats or activities you want to include.
Optional Decorative Items
For added visual appeal, stock up on decorative embellishments such as stickers, washi tape, ribbon, glitter, stencils, and paint. These extras enable you to customize and personalize your Advent calendar to match your aesthetic or holiday theme.
Where to Get Supplies
You don’t have to break the bank to find excellent materials. Recycled materials, such as leftover wrapping paper or fabric scraps, provide eco-friendly and cost-saving options. Alternatively, dollar stores and craft shops provide budget-friendly sources for everything from craft essentials to decorative extras. With resourceful shopping and creativity, your Advent calendar will come to life beautifully.
How to Make a DIY Advent Calendar: Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Choose Your Base
Start by selecting a sturdy and visually appealing base for your calendar. You can use a wall, corkboard, branch, canvas, or even a wooden frame. Select an item that suits your available space and complements your overall theme or décor.
Step 2: Prepare 24 Containers
Next, gather 24 small containers such as boxes, bags, or envelopes. Decorate each one to match your chosen aesthetic using wrapping paper, stickers, or ribbons. Number each container from 1 to 24, representing the days leading up to Christmas.
Step 3: Arrange the Calendar
Decide how you want to arrange the containers on your base. You can organize them in neat rows for a classic look, shape them into a Christmas tree design for a festive touch, scatter them randomly for a whimsical effect, or line them up in a simple linear format. Visualize your design and adjust as needed.
Step 4: Attach Containers to the Base
Secure the containers to your chosen base using the appropriate tools. Depending on your materials, you might use clothespins and string for a rustic feel, push pins for simplicity, glue for a permanent structure, or any other fastening that aligns with your style.
Step 5: Fill with Surprises
This is the most exciting step! Fill each container with small surprises such as candies, tiny toys, handwritten notes, fun activities, or meaningful scriptures. Tailor the contents to your theme and the preferences of those who will enjoy the calendar.
Step 6: Add Finishing Touches
Finally, add embellishments to make your Advent calendar stand out. You can use bows, pinecones, faux snow, or LED lights to give it a festive glow. These final details will enhance its presentation and make it an eye-catching centerpiece for the season.
Creative Ideas for Advent Calendar Fillers
For Kids
Fill your Advent calendar with items that spark joy and creativity for children. Stickers, chocolates, small toys like mini action figures or bouncing balls, and fun riddles are always a hit. Including simple craft supplies such as colorful beads, string, or small DIY kits can keep little ones engaged. For an extra special touch, consider adding tiny Lego pieces that collectively form a set by Christmas Day.
For Adults
Adults will appreciate thoughtful and practical fillers that bring comfort or add a touch of indulgence to their daily routine. Tea bags with unique flavors, mini candles in festive scents, or skincare samples such as hand creams or face masks are excellent options. Affirmation cards with uplifting messages or small ideas for a date night or self-care can make each day leading up to Christmas more meaningful.
Non-Material Fillers
For a more personal and creative twist, include non-tangible fillers. Write down acts of kindness prompts, such as “compliment someone today,” or “donate an item to charity,” or daily challenges like “try a new holiday recipe.” Family activities like “watch a Christmas movie together” or “build a gingerbread house” can foster togetherness throughout the season.
Faith-Based Options
For those who cherish spiritual traditions, faith-based fillers are a wonderful choice. Include scripture verses to reflect on, prayer cards to guide daily meditations, or small devotionals to deepen the connection to the holiday’s religious significance. These fillers inspire peace and introspection as the season unfolds.
Tips to Make Your Advent Calendar Extra Special
Personalization
Add a unique touch by including names or handwritten notes for each day. Personalized messages or small tokens relating to the recipient’s interests can make the calendar even more meaningful.
Interactive Elements
Enhance the experience with modern additions like QR codes that link to festive music playlists or heartwarming holiday videos. These interactive elements bring an exciting digital twist to the tradition.
Mixing Up Fillers
Create a balanced and engaging calendar by combining fun, educational, and meaningful items. Include small treats, puzzles, crafts, and thoughtful mementos that resonate with the season, ensuring something for everyone.
Keeping It Reusable
Invest in durable materials such as fabric, wood, or metal to construct the calendar. A reusable Advent calendar not only reduces waste but also becomes a cherished family tradition that can be enjoyed year after year.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcomplicating the Design
While it’s tempting to create an elaborate Advent calendar, overcomplicating the design can make the project exhausting and stressful. Opting for a simpler, manageable design ensures you not only complete it on time but also enjoy the creative process.
Waiting Until December
Waiting until the last minute to prepare your Advent calendar can lead to unnecessary stress and a rushed outcome. Begin planning and crafting in November to stay on schedule and maintain the excitement leading up to December.
Filling With Inappropriate or Inconsistent Items
The selection of items to include should be thoughtful. Keep the contents age-appropriate, cohesive, and aligned with the intended theme. Random or unsuitable items can detract from the overall experience and charm of the calendar.
Not Securing Items Properly
It’s crucial to use sturdy adhesives or fasteners when assembling your calendar. Poorly secured items can fall off or become damaged, diminishing the calendar’s durability and impact.
Fun Variations to Try
Countdown to New Year’s Instead
Why stick to just the holiday season? Create a 7-day or 12-day countdown for New Year’s celebrations. Fill it with party essentials, resolutions, or thoughtful reflections to set the tone for the upcoming year.
Couples or Family Calendars
Make the calendar a bonding activity! For couples, consider including romantic gestures such as handwritten notes, date night ideas, or small gifts. For families, infuse the calendar with group activities such as movie nights, board game evenings, or outdoor adventures like ice skating. These shared experiences bring joy and strengthen relationships.
Themed Calendars
Unleash your creativity with unique themes! A book advent calendar could unveil a new book each day, fostering a love for reading. Recipe advents can inspire culinary exploration, while wine or chocolate sampler calendars delight the taste buds with daily indulgences. Tailor the theme to your interests for a personalized and fun-filled experience.
Conclusion
Creating a DIY Advent calendar is an excellent way to infuse the holiday season with joy, creativity, and meaningful memories. By personalizing your calendar with themes and surprises that reflect your interests, you can turn each day of December into a delightful experience for yourself and your loved ones.
Remember, the process of learning how to make a DIY Advent calendar is not about striving for perfection but about the thought and care you put into it. Most importantly, it’s an opportunity to make cherished moments and spread holiday cheer that will last a lifetime.
