Homemade Advent Calendar: Kraft Paper & Candy
- By Andrew Jacobs
- Dec 3, 2013
As a kid I always loved moving the little stuffed Santa down the Christmas advent calendar and getting the hidden piece of candy in the window each day. If you have never purchased your own advent calendar but want your kids to feel the joy of counting down till the big day, create this homemade advent calendar instead. It uses mini white envelopes and kraft paper. Each tag has a Christmas inspired task for your kids complete before they can grab a piece of candy from the bucket.
Homemade Advent Calendar: Kraft Paper & Candy
Materials:
- Kraft Wrapping Paper
- 25 (2 3/8 x 2 3/8) Square Envelopes
- 25 Medium Gift Tags in White
- Red Twine
- Green, Red and Black Markers
- Bucket for Candy
Step One - Creating the Countdown
To create the numbered windows, we took 25 of our white square envelopes and decorated them. They can be any size but we thought the (2 3/8 x 2 3/8) were best. Find them here. First we took a green broad line opaque paint marker and traced along the edges of 24 of the mini envelopes, giving them a festive boarder. For the 25th Christmas Day envelope, we made it stand out by outlining it in red. Next, using that same red marker, write the numbers on each envelope 1-24. To fill in some of the white space of the envelope, we drew two pieces of holly.
Step Two - Create the Tags
There are two parts to decorating the tags. First, we took off the plain white string that comes with the gift tags and replaced them with festive red twine. Tie them into little bows for a pop of color. The next step is to hand write tasks for your kids to do on every day. These should be fun Christmas-style activities. For instance, "Decorate the Tree with Mom" or "Bake Cookies with Grandma." Every time they pull a tag and complete a task they can grab a piece of candy from the metal bucket. Do this for all 24 days, and decorate the 25th with a festive "Merry Christmas" note.
Step Three - Putting it Together
Now that you have all of your envelopes decorated and your tags ready to go, the last step is to add them to the kraft paper. Roll out a piece of kraft wrapping paper about 23 inches x 23 inches. You can opt to place the envelopes in whatever shape you'd like, but to stick with the Christmas theme, we created a Christmas tree. Place the 25th red envelope at the top as the star, then add another envelope for every row. The last row should have 6 envelopes in a row and be the longest. You can rearrange them to make sure they fit properly before gluing (note that the 5th row does have the same amount of envelopes as the 6th but they are spaced out wider). Once your envelopes are evenly spaced out, secure them with glue.
Once they are dry, add the tags to each envelope, making sure that the Merry Christmas tag is at the top. Hang on your wall with thumb tacks or cut holes and loop with extra twine. Encourage kids to pick a tag to help count down to Christmas.
Creating a Homemade Advent Calendar for Kids
If you're looking for a fun and creative way to count down to Christmas with your kids, consider making a homemade advent calendar using kraft paper and candy. This DIY project is not only a great way to get into the holiday spirit, but it also provides an opportunity for quality time with your children. By incorporating the focus keyword "homemade advent calendar" into your holiday traditions, you can add a personal touch to the season and create lasting memories for your family.
Benefits of a Homemade Advent Calendar
Homemade advent calendars offer a unique and customizable way to celebrate the holiday season. By using kraft paper and candy, you can tailor the contents of each day to suit your children's preferences, making the countdown even more exciting. Additionally, creating a homemade advent calendar allows you to incorporate meaningful activities or messages into each day, fostering a sense of togetherness and anticipation in your family.
Use Cases for Homemade Advent Calendars
Homemade advent calendars can be used in a variety of ways to enhance the holiday experience for kids. Whether you choose to fill each day with small treats, festive activities, or thoughtful messages, the calendar can serve as a daily reminder of the joy and magic of the season. By involving your children in the creation and execution of the calendar, you can also instill a sense of creativity and tradition that will last for years to come.
Alternatives to Traditional Advent Calendars
While traditional advent calendars are readily available for purchase, creating a homemade version offers a more personal and customizable approach. By using kraft paper and candy, you can tailor the calendar to your children's tastes and preferences, ensuring that each day holds something special for them. Additionally, the act of making the calendar together can be a cherished bonding experience for your family.
Tips for Using a Homemade Advent Calendar
When creating and using a homemade advent calendar, consider incorporating a mix of treats, activities, and messages to keep the countdown engaging and exciting for your kids. Be sure to involve your children in the process, allowing them to contribute ideas and personalize the calendar to their liking. Additionally, consider displaying the calendar in a prominent place in your home to build anticipation and create a festive atmosphere throughout the holiday season.
Adding a Personal Touch to the Holidays
By incorporating a homemade advent calendar into your holiday traditions, you can infuse the season with creativity, joy, and togetherness. Using kraft paper and candy to create a personalized countdown for your kids allows you to tailor each day to their preferences and interests, making the holiday season even more special. Whether you're crafting the calendar together or enjoying the surprises each day brings, a homemade advent calendar is a wonderful way to make lasting memories with your family.