DIY Christmas Countdown

I remember growing up, my mom would have Santa poster that we would glue cotton balls on his beard every evening before bed, starting December 1st. That was our Christmas countdown growing up. We had so much fun counting down the days till Santa came to visit us. Now that my youngest is three, I want to start having a countdown of our own.

The countdown I made was easy to make and is something you can use year after year. The kids can help make the number change every evening just before bed. It will also be a great way of teaching how to count backwards.

Here is what you will need:

• A frame with chicken wire – I found mine at JoAnn’s
• Paint
• Yarn
• Small clothes pins
• Countdown numbers – You can print out the ones I used here

Step 1: Paint your frame the color you want

Step 2: If you are like me and don’t have the best writing, print out your lettering in a font you would like to use. Then take a pencil and color over the back of the paper where the letters are. Then place the paper on the frame right side up and trace over the letters. The pencil marks will end up on the frame and it will allow you to trace the letters.

Step 3: Paint over the letters on the frame. I don’t have a very steady hand so my letters didn’t turn out the straightest.

Step 4: Tie yarn to the hanging hoops on the back. Allow it to drape so the numbers hang close to the center.

At this point you just have to clip on the right amount of days to start your countdown.

How does your family countdown the days till Christmas?