If you prefer to count down the 24 days to Christmas in a slightly more original way, steer clear of the chocolate advents in the supermarkets this year and make your own.

With a couple of hours, a few crafty supplies and a little creativity, you’ll have a unique count-down calendar that doubles as a Chrissy decoration. And it’s totally up to you what little gift you put inside (although, to be honest, you’re quite space-limited!).

These ones were stuck to the wall in a Christmas tree shape with enough room in-between each box to slide open the ‘drawer’ to find a surprise tiny tree ornament inside. You could fill with little notes or wishes, jokes, lollies, choccies, small gifts or coins.

You’ll need

• 24 papier mache boxes (come in packs of six from Spotlight), small gift boxes or mini cereal boxes
• Scrapbooking paper
• Ribbons
• Rub-ons – from Kmart or craft stores like Spotlight
• Buttons
• A white gel pen
• Other crafty supplies – glitter, cutters, confetti, cut-outs. You’re limited by your imagination.

Step one

Work out a pattern on the floor – the boxes in this formation were mixed up between vertical and horizontal for interest and more flexibility in the decorations on the front.

Step two

Now get decorating! Vary using rub-ons and your own handwriting to date the boxes and use a similar colourway on all boxes in a range of different materials for a cohesive look.

Step three

Once done, fill the boxes and stick to the wall with 3M removable tape or blutac and enjoy the nightly countdown ritual!

Browse Kidspot Christmas crafts