We have various exciting and heartwarming traditions during the Christmas season, such as the Christmas trees, the exchanging of gifts and the Santa Claus socks (see Seven spirited ways to spread the Christmas spirit). Different decorations can be used during this festive season, and one of the most popular kinds is the Advent calendar. This is a simple paperboard structure that counts down the days up to Christmas. It can have simple numbered windows or pockets holding candy, ornaments and toys.

There are many different ways to make an Advent calendar. The countdown can begin as early as Thanksgiving or just five days before Christmas. If you want, it can be made of paper or cloth. Everything depends on your creativity. If you want to know how to make an advent calendar, here’s a guide to help you out.

Materials:

• Paper
• Pencil
• Ruler
• Two pieces of chipboard
• Adhesive foam sheets
• Two grommets and setter
• Decorative paper
• Craft knife
• String, ribbon or wire, at least 15 inches
• Decorations for the calendar (buttons, beads, drawings, cut out numbers)

Procedure:

1. Start with a plan. You need to make a sketch on a plain piece of paper of your proposed design. This will enable you to sort out where each décor goes and where certain aspects of the advent calendar are placed. Remember, this is only a guide, so if you feel the need to change certain parts, feel free to do so.



2. Get the chipboard to attach the hanger to it. This will prevent you from working around the piece at the end. Punch two holes 1/2 inch away from the edge and four inches apart. Put an eyelet or grommet in each, then tie one end of the wire, ribbon or string to both holes.
3. Divide the number of spaces you need among the available space, then cut the doors in the other chipboard piece, as well as the adhesive foam sheet. This will enable you to use it as a pattern later on. Use a craft knife for this task. Mark the back and front of the board, especially if you have a non-linear format.
4. Trace the spaces from the chipboard on the decorative paper’s back, cutting three sides open, to create the doors. Depending on you, the doors can be from left to right, lifted up or pulled down.
5. Arrange the calendar’s base. Put the uncut chipboard sheet on the bottom, the foam sheet in the middle, and the cut chipboard on the top. If you’re using three-dimensional items behind the doors, place them in their spots, making sure the calendar is deep enough. If not, you can cut an extra foam piece to put between the chipboard pieces. When you’ve got everything fitting in well, glue all the layers together.
6. Decorate the calendar’s top. If you want to put beads, buttons or small doodled drawings on the doors, stick them before you fix the doors on the top of the calendar. Add the numbers above, on or next to the doors, so they can be opened in order.
7. Attach the top to the base, then fill in the spaces behind the doors. When the glue dries, you can now hang the calendar on the wall.

An advent calandar is a wonderful project to help put your home in the holiday mood. If you want, you can do this with your kids. Get the art materials out, create a lovely calendar, and let the Christmas countdown begin! After creating your very own advent calendar, why don’t you try making a step higher by constructing your own calendar, read how to make your own calendar.

Watch The Video

Make a 3-D Advent Calendar

Starlight Mint Advent Calendar

Advent Calendar from Muffin Tin