The countdown to Christmas is one of the most exciting parts of the season, especially for little ones! A hands-on, creative advent calendar adds even more magic and anticipation to each December day. That’s why we love this unique DIY Advent Calendar project by our friend, @studiorosie. It’s simple, charming, and best of all it’s made with love and imagination.
If you are looking for a meaningful way to engage your kids during the holidays, this handmade Advent calendar is a fun, screen-free activity the whole family can enjoy together. Each tiny paper house can hold treats, notes, or even pieces from the HABA Natural Wood Nativity Set, transforming your Advent countdown into a cozy Christmas village.
Creative Ways to Use Your DIY Advent Calendar
This craft is wonderfully versatile! Here are some creative spins to keep things fresh:
- Story-a-Day: Use the Nativity Set to build the story piece by piece as you progress through December.
- Acts of Kindness Countdown: Instead of treats, fill each house with a kind deed to do that day.
- Family Activity Countdown: Include ideas like “bake cookies,” “go ice skating,” or “watch a holiday movie.”
- Literacy Boost: Slip in new vocabulary or a seasonal riddle for each day.
Holiday Craft: DIY Advent Calendar
Gather Your Supplies
You don’t need fancy tools or expensive supplies to make something memorable. Gather these simple items to get started. These are the supplies for this project:
- Paper
- Scissors
- Paint or markers
- Glue
- Optional: HABA Natural Wood Nativity Set
Build Your DIY Advent Calendar Craft Village:
Step 1: Shape the House
Fold your paper in half and cut the top part at an angle to make the roof of the house.
Step 2: Fold the Sides
Open the paper and fold in the sides about one inch on each side.
Step 3: Stick It Together
Add glue or double sided tape on each side but not on the bottom or top of the paper.
Step 4: Form the House
Press the sides together to form a 3D house shape. This will create a little envelope where surprises can be tucked inside.
Step 5: Decorate Your House
Here’s where the magic happens! Let kids decorate each house with paint, crayons, stickers, cotton snow, glitter, or washi tape. Label them from 1 to 24 (or 12 if you’re counting down from the halfway mark).
Step 6: Fill with Joy
Add a sweet treat, daily activity idea, note of encouragement, or a piece of the HABA Nativity Set inside each house. These could also include:
- A kindness challenge (like helping a sibling)
- A holiday book to read
- A special ornament to hang on the tree
- Mini wooden toys or dollhouse accessories
Step 7: Build Your Village
Glue or tape the finished houses onto a board, cork board, or foam core to form a festive village. You can draw roads, add felt trees, or scatter cotton for snow to bring it to life.
Step 8: Open and Enjoy!
Have fun opening each house every day to reveal a new surprise each day!
Follow @studiorosie on Instagram for even more fun crafting adventures! We love to see your creations! Tag us on Instagram @habausa for a chance to be featured!
I love this idea. Thank you for sharing.
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