Kids' Advent Calendar

What you will need: 16-inch x 20-inch 1/2-inch-thick piece foam board T-square Ruler Craft knife Spray adhesive (such as Spray Mount®) 16-inch x 20-inch piece colored construction paper 16-inch x 20-inch wooden or metal picture frame Spray paint (for wooden frame) Number and star stickers 25 wrapped candies (small, flat ones work best), plus extra candy for decorating border Glue gun

Our homemade Advent calendar, with a treat behind each door, is a delightful way to count down the days till Christmas with your children. Step 1: Using the T-square, ruler, and a pencil, measure and mark off a 3-inch border on the bottom of the foam board and a 3-1/2-inch border on top. Then measure and mark off 2-inch borders on the remaining 2 sides. Step 2: Next, divide the inner rectangle into twenty-five 2-inch x 2-1/2-inch rectangles with 1/2-inch spaces between them. Using the craft knife, carefully cut out insides of rectangles and discard. Step 3: In a well-ventilated area, lightly apply spray adhesive to one side of the foam board, and place the colored construction paper on top, aligning all edges carefully. Step 4: Turn the foam board over. To create Advent doors, guide craft knife along 3 sides of each 2-inch x 2-1/2-inch rectangle, carefully cutting through the paper. Lightly score the fourth side to create a "hinge." Step 5: Disassemble frame and discard glass. If using wooden frame, spray-paint the frame, according to manufacturer's directions. When dry, place the foam board into the frame, then replace the cardboard backing that came with it. Step 6: Apply the number stickers to the fronts of the doors, then use the glue gun to attach the candies to the spaces behind the doors. Use the glue gun to decorate the border with extra candy. Close each door with a star sticker. PHOTO: © Mark Thomas