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13 CREATIVE DIY ADVENT CALENDAR IDEAS FOR A FESTIVE COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS

For many families, the excitement of opening 24 Advent gifts is one of the highlights of the holiday season. With December 1st just around the corner, now is the perfect time to start gathering gifts to be opened throughout the month.

As the countdown to Christmas begins, you can track the days with a personalized Advent calendar. This tradition dates back to mid-19th century Germany, where families marked the days leading up to Christmas with chalk on their doors or by lighting candles. Today, Advent calendars often feature paper doors that reveal an image, gift, or sweet treat. You can even create a themed calendar, showcasing family photographs, kids’ toys, or special treats for your pets. Like your Christmas gifts, an Advent calendar is another meaningful way to show appreciation for those you love.

Regardless of how you choose to craft your calendar, its purpose is to spread holiday cheer. Let these DIY Advent calendar ideas inspire you to get into the festive spirit this season!

Matchbox Advent Calendar

This charming little chest hides many secrets! Kids can retrieve its treasures—tiny gifts and notes—by opening numbered drawers, one for each day until Christmas. For an added surprise, slide the drawers backward to reveal a painted tree.

To create this Advent calendar, start by removing matches from 24 matchboxes and gluing them together in three stacks of eight. Once the stacks are glued, cut a strip of paper and glue it around the sides of the chest for a polished look. Number the fronts of the drawers with acrylic paint, then tape ribbon tabs to the undersides for easy opening.

After placing the drawers back in the chest, paint a tree or another festive design on the back. Finally, cut a piece of construction paper to use as a backing to keep the drawers securely in place. This delightful chest will make the countdown to Christmas even more exciting!

Shoe-Organizer Advent Calendar

Children can hardly contain their excitement this time of year, but you can channel that energy with a fun-filled Advent calendar! We created one by stenciling numbers onto a 24-pair canvas hanging shoe bag, then filled some compartments with wrapped gifts and others with supplies for holiday fun. For example, the ninth compartment holds kid-sized utensils for an eagerly anticipated cookie-baking spree. You can customize the countdown to fit your family’s celebrations—choose to celebrate all 24 days leading up to Christmas, or trim a few rows to include Hanukkah’s eight nights.

Pegboard Advent Calendar

This delightful Advent calendar is easy to assemble in just a few steps. Start by painting a 2-by-4-foot pegboard slat and let it dry overnight. Then, using stencils, craft paint, and a brush or sponge, add the numbers one through 24 to muslin gift bags, allowing them to dry overnight as well.

The next day, evenly space 24 small wooden pegs on the pegboard. Fill each bag with little toys, candy, and handwritten messages, then hang them in order. Finally, place the calendar on a console table or ledge, leaning it against the wall (or mount it securely if you have small children), and let the excitement of the countdown to Christmas begin!

Photo Chain Advent Calendar

Create a beautiful photo chain Advent calendar for friends and family that also serves as a lovely keepsake. To make this special gift, order doubles of your favorite photos throughout the year, making assembly easier as December approaches.

Slide the pictures into postcard holders, then cover them with numbered cards. Instead of traditional cards, you can use swatches of decorative paper or even festive holiday wrapping paper to add a personal touch. This thoughtful calendar will not only count down the days to Christmas but also celebrate cherished memories with loved ones!

Christmas Tree Advent Calendar

Little ones will love counting down the days to Christmas with this fun Advent calendar, where each day brings a new present! To create this calendar, start by attaching stickers with sequential numbers to each box.

Next, print the holly leaf template and cut out shapes from various colors of cardstock. Use a screw punch to make a small hole at the top of each holly leaf. Then, use gold string to tie the leaves to each box. Arrange the boxes in a tree pattern, as shown in the picture, and mount them to a surface using double-sided tape. This delightful calendar will surely add to the holiday excitement!

Glittered Cones Advent Calendar

Whether you’re celebrating eight nights of Hanukkah or counting down 24 days until Christmas, half the fun of the holidays is the anticipation. Enhance the excitement with a sparkling tree line filled with hidden surprises. We covered paper cones in adhesive and metallic glitter, tucked a treat under each one, and attached a paper tag with a number sticker to create a whimsical, free-form calendar. A tip for the wise: Wrap your miniature gifts to keep them a surprise in case someone sneaks a peek!

Envelope Advent Calendar

Our simplest Advent calendar yet offers a minimalist twist on the holiday tradition. Create the shape of a Christmas tree using envelopes in various sizes, and mark each one with adhesive numbers.

Fill the envelopes with thin, lightweight presents like gift cards and stickers. Finally, use painter’s tape to securely attach the envelopes to the wall. This chic and straightforward calendar allows for a festive countdown to Christmas without the fuss!

Gift Box Advent Calendar

Enhance the joy of Christmas morning by unwrapping a gift every day leading up to December 25. To create a cohesive look, package the gifts in a palette of complementary tones, such as calming blues, terra-cotta pinks, and earthy ochres.

For each gift, wrap the box in decorative paper, tie it with a bow made from dual-sided satin ribbon, and attach a round tag stamped with a gilded number. This beautiful presentation will make the countdown to Christmas even more special!

Advent Gift Bags

Simplify the Advent chain tradition by using red-and-white striped paper bags instead of wrapping each gift. This approach is quicker for you while still being fun for the kids. The striped bags add a festive touch, but solid-color ones work just as well.

Place one gift in each of the 24 paper bags, then stamp or write numbers on stickers and adhere them to the bags. Hang a cord, fold over the tops of the bags, and clip them to the cord in numerical order or a random arrangement. Enjoy the excitement of the countdown to Christmas!

Traditional Advent Chain

Hang this Advent calendar vertically with gift number 24 at the top. Each day, snip one gift from the bottom. Begin by wrapping each gift and tying it with twine, leaving several inches of twine at the top. Use stamps or write the numbers on tags, then attach them to the gifts. Arrange the gifts in order from one to 24.

Next, tie the loose twine from gift number one to the twine on the bottom of gift number two, and continue this process to join all 24 gifts. Finally, hang the entire chain, and enjoy the countdown to Christmas!

Mini Advent Stockings Calendar

These mini stockings are the perfect size to hold a small gift or sweet treat for each of the 24 days of Advent. If your tree is too small to accommodate all 24 stockings, you can hang the remaining ones from a ribbon for a festive display.

To label each stocking, print the numbers using a computer, cut them out, and glue them onto metal-rimmed tags. Alternatively, you can write the numbers by hand for a personal touch. Choose a variety of festive felt and ribbon colors to complement each other, adding a cheerful and vibrant look to your Advent countdown!

Greeting Cards Advent Calendar


Create a charming Advent calendar by opening a numbered window for each day in December leading up to Christmas, and on Christmas Day, open the front door. To make this calendar, enlarge the house template by 200 percent, then trace the outline onto two sheets of heavy cardstock for the front and back “walls.”

Next, mark the positions of the door and window shutters with a pencil and cut slits for the door and shutters, numbering the shutters randomly. Place images from old greeting cards behind each opening and adhere them with a glue stick. Edge the roof, chimney, and foundation with red paper, and add gold trim for a festive touch. Finally, glue a ribbon loop between the boards to create a hanger before sealing the back to the front. Enjoy the countdown to Christmas with this delightful creation!

Acts of Kindness Advent Calendar

This acts of kindness Advent calendar offers a heartfelt twist on the traditional countdown. Instead of small gifts or treats for each day, this calendar features a different act of kindness to complete throughout the Advent season.

To create it, use envelopes marked with adhesive numbers, similar to an envelope Advent calendar. Write out an act of kindness for each day on a card and place the cards inside the corresponding envelopes. Secure the envelopes to the wall with painter’s tape for a lovely display.

For an even more festive touch, consider making this acts of kindness calendar alongside one filled with small toys and treats, spreading the Christmas spirit in two meaningful ways!

conclusion

Creating a unique Advent calendar can be a delightful way to enhance the holiday season, whether you choose to fill it with small gifts, acts of kindness, or cherished memories. From whimsical mini stockings to thoughtful photo chains and heartwarming kindness acts, there are endless possibilities to make the countdown to Christmas special.

These creative ideas not only add excitement and anticipation for each day of December but also provide opportunities for family bonding and community spirit. Whichever design you choose, your Advent calendar will surely become a cherished tradition that brings joy and warmth to your home throughout the festive season. Happy crafting and Merry Christmas!

16 EFFECTIVE PILATES EXERCISES TO STRENGTHEN YOUR CORE

Strengthening your core is one of the best ways to improve your overall fitness—and adding Pilates exercises to your routine can help you get there.

But why is core strength so essential? It goes beyond just your abs or obliques; your core also includes deep stabilizing muscles like the transverse abdominis, hips, lower back, and pelvic floor. Strengthening all these areas is crucial for balance, stability, posture, proper exercise form, and spinal health. Plus, a strong core can help prevent lower back pain, which is beneficial for both workouts and daily life.

While many exercises engage the core, Pilates specifically targets these muscles. Practicing Pilates can challenge your muscles in new ways, especially if it’s new to your routine, and help you build core strength in a balanced and controlled way.

“Pilates is a mind-body workout that activates your core muscles with each exercise,” says Manuela Sanchez, a Pilates instructor at Club Pilates in Brooklyn, New York. With Pilates, whether you’re doing a core-focused move or one targeting another area, your core remains engaged throughout.

Pilates strengthens both the deep and superficial areas of your core, from the deep internal transverse abdominis to the surface-level rectus abdominis, for comprehensive core strength, Sanchez explains.

What are the benefits of Pilates exercises?

As we mentioned, Pilates exercises—whether dedicated to core work or incorporating full-body moves—are fantastic for strengthening your entire core. But there are plenty more reasons to consider adding Pilates to your routine.

One major benefit is its accessibility. While some Pilates exercises use equipment like a reformer, many Pilates mat exercises require no equipment beyond a yoga mat for comfort. This means you can enjoy a Pilates workout at home without needing to join a class or gym. Plus, if you’re interested in lower-body-focused Pilates moves (which also engage the core), you can use just a chair for many effective exercises.

Practicing Pilates at home is not only convenient but also highly beneficial. In addition to core strength, Pilates enhances flexibility, balance, coordination, and breath control. It’s also adaptable, with exercises suited for beginners and progressions for more advanced levels, making it a scalable workout option for all fitness levels.

What are some great Pilates core exercises?

Some of the best Pilates core exercises include classics you may know, like the Pilates hundred, single-leg stretch, and roll-up. There are also a few you might recognize by sight, even if the names aren’t familiar. Below, you’ll find 17 effective Pilates core exercises you can do at home—no equipment needed!

You can incorporate a few of these as a warm-up, suggests Sanchez, or add them to your next workout to emphasize core engagement. For a quick movement session, choose a few favorites and repeat them a couple of times for a standalone routine. If you’re new to these moves, start by performing each exercise for 30 seconds and gradually work your way up to a minute.

LEG CIRCLE

Lie faceup with your arms at your sides, palms down.

Bend your left knee, placing your left foot flat on the floor. Extend your right leg straight up toward the ceiling.

Circle your right leg out to the side, down toward the ground, and back to the starting position. Keep the circle as large as possible while maintaining your lower back on the floor.

Reverse the circle for each rep.

Complete all reps on one leg, then switch to the other side and repeat.

DOUBLE LEG STRETCH

Lie faceup and bring both knees in toward your chest.

Curl your head up and place your hands on your knees.

Extend both legs out in front of you while reaching both arms overhead. Keep your lower back pressed into the floor and aim to straighten your legs as much as possible.

Circle your arms out to the sides and around back to your knees as you pull your knees back in toward your chest.

PILATES ONE HUNDRED

Lie faceup on your mat.

Lift both legs up toward the ceiling and lower them halfway, keeping them at an angle.

Curl your head up, reaching your arms long alongside your body with palms facing down.

Pump your arms up and down as you inhale for five counts and exhale for five counts.

Repeat this breathing pattern 10 times while maintaining the position.

ROLL UP

Lie faceup with your arms extended above your head, resting on the floor.

Float your arms up so your wrists are directly over your shoulders.

Slowly begin to curl your spine up off the floor, starting with your shoulders and ending with your lower back.

Curl up to a seated position, then fold your torso over your legs while keeping your core tight throughout the movement.

To return, reverse the movement, rolling back down to the floor from your lower back to your shoulders.

SINGLE-LEG STRETCH

Lie faceup on your mat.

Bring both knees in toward your chest, placing your hands on your shins, and curl your head up off the floor.

Extend one leg out at a time, alternating sides while keeping your knees bent.

Make sure your lower back stays pressed into the floor, and engage your core throughout the movement.

PLANK LEG LIFT

Start in a high plank position with your hands directly under your shoulders.

Alternate lifting one leg off the floor as high as you can, but not past shoulder height.

Keep your core, glutes, and quads engaged to maintain stability and avoid rocking your hips.

TEASER

Lie faceup on your mat.

Bend your knees over your hips and lift your feet off the mat.

Extend your legs while reaching your arms toward your feet and lifting your head and shoulders off the mat. Aim to create a V shape with your torso and legs.

Hold this position for five breaths.

After five breaths, roll onto your back, bending your knees again.

HIGH PLANK TO PIKE

Start in a high plank position with your palms flat on the floor, hands shoulder-width apart (or wider, if that’s your preference for push-ups). Ensure your shoulders are stacked above your wrists, your legs are extended, and your core is engaged.

Exhale as you push your tailbone up toward the ceiling, straightening your legs as much as possible. (Feel free to bend your knees if needed to get your heels closer to the ground.)

Reverse the movement to return to the high plank position. This completes one rep.

Lie faceup on your mat.

Extend your right leg straight up so that it’s perpendicular to the floor. Place your hands behind your right leg, pulling it toward your face, and curl your head up off the floor.

Lift your left leg a few inches off the mat.

Switch legs by pulling your left leg in toward you while allowing your right leg to hover just above the floor.

Continue alternating between legs in a controlled manner.

PLANK ROCK

Start in a high plank position with your hands directly under your shoulders.

Rock your whole body forward a couple of inches toward your hands, then rock backward toward your heels.

Keep your core, glutes, and quads engaged throughout the movement to maintain stability.

HIP DIP

Start in a side plank position with your right hand directly underneath your right shoulder and your left foot stacked on top of your right foot.

Dip your hips down toward the ground, then lift them back up to the starting position.

Repeat this movement 10 times before switching to the left side.

CRISS-CROSS

Lie faceup and bring both knees in toward your chest.

Place your hands behind your head, keeping your elbows wide, and curl your head up off the floor.

Bring your left shoulder toward your right knee as you extend your left leg out.

Then, bring your right shoulder toward your left knee while extending your right leg.

Continue alternating sides in a controlled manner.

TOE TAP

Lie on your back with your feet flat on the floor and your arms at your sides. Ensure your back is flat against the floor.

Bring your knees up to a 90-degree angle; this is your starting position.

Slowly lower your feet down so your toes tap the floor, then reverse the movement to return to the starting position. This completes one rep.

BIRD-DOG

Start on your hands and knees in a tabletop position, ensuring your wrists are stacked under your shoulders and your knees are stacked under your hips. This is your starting position.

Extend your right arm forward and your left leg back, maintaining a flat back and keeping your hips in line with the floor. Focus on driving your foot toward the wall behind you. Hold this position briefly.

Squeeze your abs and return your arm and leg to the starting position. This completes one rep.

Perform a set number of reps, then switch to extend your left arm and right leg. Repeat the process.

SLOW MOTION MOUTAIN CLIMBER

Start in a high plank position with your hands directly under your shoulders.

Bring one knee in toward your chest at a time, alternating legs.

Keep your core, glutes, and quads engaged to avoid rocking your hips during the movement.

BIRD-DOG CRUNCH

Start on your hands and knees in a tabletop position, ensuring your wrists are stacked under your shoulders and your knees are stacked under your hips. This is your starting position.

Extend your right arm forward and your left leg back, maintaining a flat back and keeping your hips in line with the floor. Focus on driving your foot toward the wall behind you. Hold this position briefly.

Squeeze your abs and return your arm and leg to the starting position. This completes one rep.

Perform a set number of reps, then switch to extend your left arm and right leg. Repeat the process.

conclusion

Incorporating these Pilates core exercises into your fitness routine can significantly enhance your overall strength, stability, and body awareness. Focusing on the core not only improves your physical performance but also helps prevent injuries and alleviate back pain. Whether you’re a beginner or more advanced, these exercises are adaptable and can be performed anywhere, making Pilates a convenient and effective choice for core training. Remember to engage your core throughout each movement, maintain proper form, and listen to your body as you progress. By committing to these practices, you’ll build a strong foundation that supports all your fitness goals.