Share

WATCH | A DIY advent calendar for the jolliest season

accreditation
0:00
play article
Subscribers can listen to this article

The day after Halloween. My brain:
Don’t say it
Don’t say it
Don’t say it
Don’t say it
Don’t say it
Don’t say it
Don’t say it
Don’t say it
Don’t say it
Don’t say it
Don’t say it
Don’t say it
Don’t say it
Don’t say it
Me: ‘TIS THE SEASON TO BE JOLLY, FA-LA-LA-LA-LA LA-LA-LA-LA

via GIPHY

I don’t know about you, but we’ve been counting down to Christmas since 26 December 2020. The Christmas tree is out and we’ve already decked the halls. And now, we wait.

Also read: Ten great kid shows to stream on Netflix

via GIPHY

We’re sure the kids are pretty excited too, and even if they’re not, an advent calendar filled with goodies will do the trick. And it's great to help little ones count the sleeps. But instead of spending even more money this Christmas on expensive cardboard Christmas trees filled with chocolate, we’ve put together an easy DIY for you to make your own.

Check out our DIY advent calendar in the video above and scroll down for a few more ideas to theme and personalise your countdown to Christmas.

You’ll need:

  • Paper packets
  • Paper doilies
  • Glue
  • Scissors
  • Numbers (1-25 to count down the days/sleeps until Christmas)
  • Things to put inside your paper packets that link to your advent calendar them. We used chocolate and sweets (because nothing gets the kids excited quite like sweeties) and Christmas ornaments for them to add one ornament to the tree every day.

Themes and ideas:

Our idea was to give the kids a treat every day as well as an ornament to put on the tree. You don’t have to do both – you don’t have to do either. Here are a few more suggestions:

  • Include cards with one key story or verse from the Bible in each pocket as we make our way towards Christmas and end off on the 25th with the nativity story, like this one.
  • Fill each packet with Christmas-inspired crafts for the kids to do every day. And if you’re stuck and can’t think of any ideas, we’ve got you sorted with that too. Click here and check out our: Christmas crafts.
  • Similarly, fill each packet with ideas of things you can do as a family as you approach Christmas. You can take the kids to see the festive lights on Adderley Street in Cape Town (the official switching on will be on Sunday 2 December) for example, or have a Christmas movie marathon.
  • Fill the pockets with a Christmas joke. Here are some great jokes from The Telegraph.

What are some of your Christmas traditions with the kids? 

Chatback:

Share your stories and questions with us via email at chatback@parent24.com. Anonymous contributions are welcome.

Don't miss a story!

For a weekly wrap of our latest parenting news and advice sign up to our free Parent24 newsletter.

Follow us, and chat, on Facebook and Twitter.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE