DIY Advent Calendar

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No matter which holiday you are preparing for, it is always fun to count down the days! Here is a reuse craft that will keep your family busy doing good deeds and making memories while they wait for the big day. REUSE paper at home to make a countdown chain.

Gather supplies:
- Colorful paper to make strips for the chain links. Reuse wrapping paper scraps, catalog and calendar pages or colored envelopes.

- Printed list of  

and

- Glue and tape or staples

Directions:
1. Cut strips of colorful paper between 5" - 6" long and 1" wide. 

2. Cut apart the

you want to do with your family - one for each day.

3. Glue a challenge to each strip for the number of days in your countdown.

4. Create your chain by gluing or stapling the first strip into a loop. Slide the next strip inside the first loop before fastening the ends together. Continue adding strips to form a chain.

5. Finally, cut out the countdown numbers and add one to each link of your chain to help count the days.

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Advent Calendar with Cubbies

Alternatively, make cubbies for each day. For this activity you'll use toilet paper rolls instead of strips of paper (about one for every 2-3 days) and extra colorful paper, paper bags or tissue paper.

1. Cut toilet paper rolls into about 2-3 pieces to make small, shallow cubbies (see pics).

2. Glue sections of toilet paper rolls to a cardboard base covered with wrapping paper. Make sure that there is a cubby for each day until the holiday.

3. Hide the  

inside each opening and cover the opening with a small circle of holiday paper and glue.

4. Number each cubby to help count down the days.