DIY Advent calendars to count down the days until Christmas! /via Shutterstock
Even though I love Thanksgiving, I’m almost more excitedly anticipating the Christmas season coming hot on its heels. Growing up, my mom helped us count down the days with an Advent calendar, but it’s a tradition I haven’t continued since moving out on my own (gulp) 19 years ago. But having a kid of my own has definitely awakened some inner decorator-mama-bear within me and all of a sudden, I can’t get enough tinsel and candy canes.
Pottery Barn’s wicker-baskets-on-a-wooden-tree Advent calendar, though cute, is way out of my range at $179. But the long holiday weekend is the perfect time to dive into another little project (I mean really, when is a bad time for a project?). So I rounded up some DIY Advent calendar ideas!
Here are three DIY Advent calendars:
Easy peasy paper bag Advent calendar by Annie Diamond at Most Lovely Things. This uses just 25 paper lunch bags, twine (to tie them shut and hang along the wall), and clothespins (to attach the bags to the twine lines on the wall). Make the project your own by using holiday-themed bags or even making small origami boxes.
mostlovelythings.com
Upcycled toilet paper roll Advent calendar by Mindy Pitcher. Her example of putting treats inside the wrapped rolls is gorgeous, but can be done even more simply by wrapping the toilet paper rolls in Christmas wrapping paper (then, like Mindy, using a hot glue gun to affix them to a piece of fabric to be hung).
mindypitcher.blogspot.com
Magnetic spice jar Advent calendar. The ultimate in reusable, unique calendars! You can purchase magnetic metal spice containers at CostPlus (5 for $10), or make your own magnetic spice jars using this tutorial from Instructables (Amazon sells 6oz candle tins, 12 for $12, to glue magnets on). Instead of using spice labels, use pretty paper cut-outs with numbers 1-25. Fill with treats and attach to the kitchen fridge every year! If you have small children, make sure to keep magnets out of reach as they can be very dangerous if swallowed.
What is your favorite way to countdown to Christmas?