How to Make a Homemade Advent Calendar

Time needed: 3 hours.

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Cut out ornaments

   First, I used a paper hole punch and took the easy route for cutting out 25 paper ornaments. You can also use a cup to trace a template circle as a guide.

2. Number ornaments

   Next, I wrote the numbers (1 through 25) on the paper circles in pencil and my son traced over them with a Sharpie.
   

3. Paint ornaments

   We all had fun painting the ornaments with watercolor paints.

4. Draw a tree

   While waiting for the paper ornaments to dry, you can get started on the Christmas tree.
   
   First, cut and tape a large piece of kraft paper to the back of a door or wherever you plan to hang your finished advent tree calendar.
   
   I sketched the outline for the tree with pencil and traced over it with a paint stick.
   

5. Paint tree

   My kids filled in the rest of the tree, the trunk and a few presents using the tempera paint sticks. We even added a little star at the top!

6. Write activities on ornaments

   While the kids are busy painting, it’s a great time to write your activities list on the back of each ornament. (See our printable for ideas!)
   
   And don’t hesitate to make the list your own and incorporate the traditions that make this time of year special for your family

7. Hang ornaments

   We kept things simple and hung our ornaments with washi tape directly onto the finished tree.