20 Christmas Countdown Ideas for Families
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Quick answer: 20 Christmas Countdown Ideas for Families. This guide gives 20 ideas in 4 sections: Classic Calendars and Chains; Jars, Boxes and Activities; Sleeps and Visual Countdowns; Tools to Make Counting Easy.
The weeks before Christmas can feel endless to a child, and a good countdown turns the waiting into part of the fun. Every morning brings a small moment to look forward to.
Here are twenty ways to count down to the big day, from traditional calendars to homemade chains and jars. None of them needs to be expensive, and many can be made in an afternoon. Always supervise small children with any small parts or sweets.
Classic Calendars and Chains
Traditional countdowns still work beautifully.
- Reusable advent calendar: A fabric or wooden calendar with pockets can be filled with different treats and notes each year. It lasts for many Christmases.
- Paper advent chain: Make a chain with 24 links and tear one off each day. Write a small activity or kindness on the inside of each link.
- Count down with a tree: Hang a tiny paper decoration on a small tree each day. By Christmas Eve the whole tree is covered.
- Numbered envelopes: Number envelopes 1 to 24 and tuck a note or sticker in each. Hang them on string with pegs.
- Wooden number blocks: Move blocks each day to show how many sleeps are left. They are tactile and look neat on a shelf.
Jars, Boxes and Activities
Counting down with activities builds togetherness.
- Activity jar: Write festive activities on slips of paper and pull one each day. Ideas could include baking, a film or a walk.
- Kindness countdown: Each day, do one kind thing for someone, such as making a card. It teaches children the joy of giving.
- Scratch off poster: A large poster with numbered squares to scratch away is exciting for children. It looks lovely on a wall.
- Number the boxes: Wrap 24 matchboxes or tiny boxes with numbers and hide small treats or notes. Choose treats with allergies in mind.
- Book countdown: Wrap 24 books, new or from the library, and open one each evening. Reading together becomes a daily ritual.
Sleeps and Visual Countdowns
Little ones love to see the days disappear.
- Sleeps chart: Draw a long chart of sleeps with stickers to mark each night. It is perfect for younger children counting days.
- Chalkboard countdown: Write the number of days on a small chalkboard in the hall. Wipe and update every morning.
- Santa tracker coloured sheet: Colour in a section of a picture each day. Children enjoy seeing the picture slowly complete.
- Marble jar: Drop a marble in a jar each day, or take one out. The jar gets fuller or emptier as Christmas gets closer. Supervise young children with marbles.
- Paper snowflake countdown: Make a snowflake each day and hang it from the ceiling. By Christmas, you will have a winter wonderland.
Tools to Make Counting Easy
A few simple extras make the whole thing easier.
- Kitchen wall calendar: A large calendar on the wall helps everyone see events, concerts and plans. Colour code by family member.
- Washi tape for marking days: Stick tape along a wall or door frame to mark the days left. Peels away easily afterwards.
- Mini whiteboard: Use a small whiteboard to write the daily surprise or activity. Easy to wipe clean.
- Reminder stickers: Dot stickers on the family calendar to mark special days. They are easy to move if plans change.
- Storage box for the countdown kit: Keep all the pieces together in a box so next year is easy. Label it clearly.
Helpful links and further reading
A few trusted places to find out more.
- Royal Mail at Christmas: Check the latest last posting dates before you send cards or parcels.
- Royal Mail at Christmas: Check the latest last posting dates before you send cards or parcels.
- MoneyHelper: budgeting: Free, impartial budgeting tools and tips to plan your spending.
Frequently asked questions
When should a Christmas countdown start?
Most countdowns begin on 1 December, though some families start earlier. Choose what works for your household.
What can I put in a homemade advent calendar?
Small treats, notes, stickers or activities. Non edible ideas work well for children with allergies or when you want to avoid sweets.
How do I keep a countdown low cost?
Use free activities and reuse materials from previous years. A paper chain or activity jar costs very little.
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