Decorating an advent calendar is one of the most enjoyable ways to celebrate the festive countdown. Each pocket, drawer, or envelope holds not only a treat but also the spirit of creativity and anticipation. Whether you’re designing one from scratch or upgrading a store-bought version, this project lets you infuse personal style and warmth into your holiday décor.
Choosing the Right Advent Calendar Base
DIY or Ready-Made: What Fits You Best
Your first decision is whether to craft your calendar or personalize an existing one.
- DIY Calendars: Great for those who love a hands-on touch. You can make one using cardboard boxes, kraft envelopes, small jars, or even recycled containers. The benefit? Total control over size, shape, and layout.
- Ready-Made Calendars: If you want something sturdy, reusable, and instantly festive, consider the HOMCOM Wooden Lighted Advent Calendar. This beautifully crafted wooden calendar includes 24 drawers illuminated by warm LED lights, blending function and décor. Its natural wood finish makes it an ideal base for personal touches like ribbons, miniature ornaments, or family name tags.
Picking the Right Material
The base you choose affects both appearance and durability.
- Wood: Strong, timeless, and reusable, perfect for painting, carving, or adding hooks and lights.
- Fabric: Cozy and flexible, allowing you to sew or glue pockets for daily surprises.
- Paper/Cardboard: Lightweight and inexpensive, easy for kids’ projects or themed crafts.
- Boxes or Drawers: Offer neat organization and space for larger gifts or ornaments.
Gathering Supplies and Tools
Before starting, gather all materials so your workspace stays tidy and efficient.
Essentials: Scissors, ruler, craft glue, double-sided tape, paintbrushes, and markers.
Decorative Items: Ribbons, washi tape, stickers, fabric scraps, buttons, and glitter.
Numbering Options: Pre-cut stickers, stamps, or stencils from 1 to 24.
Lighting and Accessories: Fairy lights, small ornaments, and bows for final touches.
Keep a small tray or container for tiny decorations to prevent losing them.
Step-by-Step: How to Decorate an Advent Calendar
Decorating an advent calendar is all about creativity and attention to detail. By following each step carefully, you can transform a simple calendar into a festive centerpiece that brightens every day leading up to Christmas.
Step 1: Plan the Layout
Decide how your advent calendar will look, will it hang on the wall, sit on a table, or stand on a shelf? For example, the HOMCOM Wooden Advent Calendar works perfectly on a mantel or entry table where its lights can shine.
Choose your theme first, traditional red and green, rustic farmhouse, or modern minimal. Your colors set the tone for the whole decoration.
Step 2: Paint or Cover the Base
If your calendar is wooden, sand it lightly and paint it in your preferred colors. Go for:
- Classic Look: Red and white with a hint of gold.
- Rustic Look: Whitewash or chalk paint for a cozy, aged feel.
- Modern Look: Soft neutrals with metallic silver or gold accents.
Paper or cardboard calendars can be wrapped in patterned wrapping paper or fabric for texture. Always let paint or glue dry completely before adding any decorations.
Step 3: Add Numbers Clearly
Numbers are essential for the countdown. Use stickers, stencils, or handwritten tags for a simple and polished look.
- Stick pre-cut numbers for a uniform appearance.
- Use metallic or glitter pens to highlight each day.
- Tie kraft paper tags with twine for a handmade, rustic finish.
Tip: For drawer-style calendars, make sure numbers are centered and easy to read when lit.
Step 4: Decorate Each Section
Now it’s time to make your calendar come alive. Add small, festive elements without overcrowding.
Easy Decoration Ideas:
- Glue tiny bows, snowflakes, or buttons onto each drawer.
- Attach pine sprigs, cinnamon sticks, or dried orange slices for a natural scent.
- Add lace, jute, or washi tape for borders and texture.
- Mix matte and shiny finishes for balance.
Keep your design consistent, choose two or three main colors and repeat them throughout for a cohesive look.
Step 5: Add Lights and Finishing Touches
Lights bring your advent calendar to life, especially if it’s displayed at night.
Lighting Tips:
- Wrap small LED fairy lights around the frame or along the base.
- If using a lighted model like the HOMCOM Wooden Advent Calendar, decorate around the built-in lights to enhance their warm glow.
Final Details:
- Add a ribbon or bow at the top for a finished look.
- Clip family photos, little ornaments, or name tags to personalize it.
- Add a touch of sparkle with glitter spray or metallic accents.
Step 6: Fill Each Drawer or Pocket with Surprises
The final and most exciting step is filling your advent calendar. Every compartment should offer a little moment of joy.
Filling Ideas:
- Edible Treats: Chocolates, candy canes, cookies, or tea bags.
- Mini Gifts: Keychains, ornaments, lip balms, or stickers.
- Activity Cards: Notes suggesting simple acts of kindness or family activities.
- Messages: Inspirational quotes or daily affirmations for a positive start to each day.
Tip: Choose items that fit easily inside each compartment and won’t melt, leak, or spoil. Keep the treats lightweight so the calendar stays neat and easy to open.
Creative Decoration Ideas
- Natural Elements: Pinecones, cinnamon sticks, eucalyptus sprigs, or dried orange slices bring freshness and fragrance.
- Glitter and Paper Art: Use paper snowflakes, cut-out stars, or metallic origami shapes for a festive sparkle.
- Photo Memories: Add small family pictures to personalize your countdown.
- Quotes or Messages: Write joyful notes or Bible verses to reflect each day’s meaning.
Safety and Durability Tips
- Use non-toxic glue and paints if children are helping.
- Avoid glass, sharp, or breakable decorations for safety.
- Choose cool-touch LED lights to prevent overheating.
- After the holidays, store in a dry, cool place to prevent damage.
- Apply a clear sealant on wooden calendars to make them last longer.
Display and Placement Ideas
- Wall Hanging: Perfect for fabric or envelope calendars, hang it using a wooden dowel and festive ribbon.
- Shelf or Mantel Display: Arrange small boxes, drawers, or jars in rows and accent with garlands.
- Tabletop Centerpiece: For box or crate-style calendars, place them on a console or dining table surrounded by candles and pine branches.
- Door or Entryway Setup: Make it a welcoming statement piece that greets everyone entering your home.
Make It a Holiday Keepsake
A beautifully decorated Advent Calendar brings the true spirit of Christmas to life. Each drawer, color, and tiny surprise adds joy, creativity, and excitement to the season. It’s more than just decoration, it’s a lasting family tradition that fills your home with warmth, love, and festive memories year after year.
FAQs
1. How can I stop decorations from falling off my advent calendar?
Use a strong craft or hot glue for heavier items and double-sided tape for lightweight décor. Let adhesives dry fully before hanging or moving the calendar to keep everything securely in place.
2. What if my advent calendar paint starts peeling or fading?
Always apply paint on a clean, dry surface and finish with a clear protective coat once dry. This helps seal the color, prevent peeling, and makes the surface easier to clean for reuse next year.
3. How can I decorate without damaging the calendar’s drawers or pockets?
Avoid using excessive glue or thick materials that block movement. Opt for lightweight embellishments like stickers, ribbons, or small fabric pieces that add charm without affecting usability.
4. How do I keep fairy lights from tangling around the calendar?
Use adhesive clips or small hooks to hold the string neatly in place. Arrange the lights before final decorations so they remain organized and easy to remove later.
5. Can I reuse the same advent calendar every year with a new theme?
Yes, simply remove old decorations and lightly repaint or rewrap sections to match your new color scheme. This keeps the base fresh and allows for endless design possibilities each season.