Craft Your Own Holiday Magic: DIY Advent Calendar Ornament

Are you ready to embrace the holiday spirit and embark on a delightful countdown to Christmas? December 1st marks the beginning of a cherished tradition: the advent calendar. Imagine the joy of unveiling a small surprise each day as you eagerly anticipate the arrival of Christmas. For many, including myself, advent calendars hold a special place, evoking fond childhood memories. That’s why I make an effort each year to craft a unique DIY advent calendar, adding a personal touch to the festive season.

This year, I’ve created a charming hanging ornament advent calendar using fillable plastic ornaments. It’s a simple yet enchanting project that allows you to reveal a sweet treat or a tiny trinket each day (my parents often used pennies!). By selecting ornaments of varying sizes and colors, you can tailor the project to your personal style and seamlessly integrate it into your holiday décor. Hang it anywhere in your home to create a functional and FUN Christmas decoration that everyone will enjoy!

The beauty of a DIY advent calendar lies in its personalization. You have the freedom to choose the surprises hidden within each ornament, making it a truly special and meaningful experience. Whether you opt for classic candies, small toys, or even handwritten notes, the anticipation of each day’s reveal will add a touch of magic to the holiday season.

To enhance the surprise element, consider using colored crinkle paper filling inside the ornaments. This adds an extra layer of excitement as you “hide” the daily treasures. While it might be a little trickier with smaller items, you can easily incorporate tiny candies, coins, or even inspirational quotes. For me, advent calendars are all about the joy of anticipation, especially during the exhilarating lead-up to Christmas.

This easy-to-make ornament advent calendar is perfect for yourself, your partner, or your children. After all, who says adults can’t revel in the magic of advent calendars? Embrace your inner child and create a tradition that will bring joy for years to come.

So, are you ready to create your own festive countdown? Let’s gather the materials and get started!

Materials:

• Branch, approximately 12 inches long (a natural branch adds a rustic touch)
• String (for hanging the branch)
• 24 fill-able ornaments, in a variety of sizes and colors (this adds visual interest)
• Crinkle paper, in festive colors (to add cushioning and a pop of color)
• Clear fishing line (for hanging the ornaments – it creates an invisible effect)
• Scissors
• Vinyl numbers or number stickers (to label each ornament with the corresponding day)
• Small treats or trinkets to fill the ornaments (candies, coins, small toys, or handwritten notes)

With your materials gathered, it’s time to bring your DIY ornament advent calendar to life. Follow these simple steps to create a festive and personalized countdown to Christmas:

Step 1: Prepare the Branch

Begin by attaching a string to either end of the branch. You can tie the string directly to the wood or create loops around each end, ensuring there is enough slack to hang the advent calendar securely. I personally prefer twisting the tied end inside the wood for a cleaner, more concealed look. This also helps to prevent the string from slipping.

Step 2: Number the Ornaments

Arrange the numbers from 1 to 24. You can use pre-made number stickers for convenience, or get creative and make your own using a cutting machine like a Cricut or Silhouette and vinyl. Keep in mind that the sticker sizes may need to vary to fit the different sized ornaments.

Step 3: Fill and Seal the Ornaments

Affix the number stickers to one half of each ornament, ensuring a varied arrangement of sizes. Open each ornament and fill it with your chosen surprise, surrounding it with festive crinkle paper for an extra touch of excitement. Finally, securely snap the ornaments closed, ready to be revealed one day at a time.

Step 4: Hang the Ornaments

Cut varying lengths of clear fishing line. Thread the fishing line through the hanger of each ornament and tie the ends together at the top branch. Repeat this process for all 24 ornaments, hanging each at a different height. This will prevent the ornaments from clumping together at the bottom and create a more visually appealing arrangement. A staggered arrangement adds depth and visual interest to the overall display.

Tip: The easiest way to hang the ornaments is to work on the project while the branch is hanging on a doorknob or hook. This allows you to easily visualize the arrangement and make adjustments as needed.

Once all the ornaments are hung, trim any excess fishing line for a clean and polished look. Now, proudly display your completed DIY ornament advent calendar in your home and let the countdown to Christmas begin!

---

I’ve been counting down to Christmas since Halloween, but I guess the official countdown starts soon! Get ready to embrace the holiday cheer and create lasting memories with your very own DIY ornament advent calendar. Happy crafting and Merry Christmas!