Here we are, friends! We’ve reached the point in 2020 where Christmas trees the day after Halloween are totally acceptable. If your kids are anything like mine, they’re more bored now than usual and getting restless by the minute looking for things to occupy their time as they count down to Christmas Day!
I’ve always loved doing countdown calendars with the boys but I knew we needed something a bit more productive and engaging this year! Something that would keep them busy and sitting rather than a quick “one and done” gift or snack! So, the big boys and I sat together to design a 24-page printable activity packet with a DIY Advent Calendar! This super easy, print & go packet is just that-Download and print the activities HERE then, GO! Pass them off to the littles for independent or easy, minimally guided activities!
You’ll see throughout the activities that there will be opportunities for your child to create something that will bring joy to another! Pick a neighbor, family member, or friend to brighten their day with their creation!
HOW TO:
DIY Printable Advent Calendar
You’ll need:
- Exacto Knife or Scrapbook Paper Trimmer
- Cutting mat
- Double-sided tape or Glue Stick
Optional
- Ribbon
- Wood end pieces
- Wood glue
- You’ll need to start by printing the file HERE! This is sized for a 16×20 poster but can be scaled down to regular printer paper! (We did both!) You can print the poster size at your local office store.
- Place the FRONT DESIGN PAGE (with the Merry Christmas banner) onto a cutting mat. Using your exacto knife (or trimmer), cut only the top, bottom, and right-hand line of each door opening. You’ll see after the first cut, you can fold back the opening, making a door!
- Once all of your doors are cut, lay down your back page. Adhere double-sided tape or glue stick to the empty white spaces around the outer edges of the design page.
- Line your front page up with your back page and stick together!
For an added touch, I adhered two pieces of wood & wired ribbon to ours using wood glue! I hung it with a command hook and let it act as decor in one of the boys’ rooms! You can also use tacks or tape for s more simple approach!
I keep all of the doors closed, rather than bent back until it’s time to open and see the picture for that day! That’s it! Make sure to print off the coordinating activity packet! Each day is prepared for you with an activity that matches the picture in the doorway!
