30 DIY Calendars to Help You Count Down to Christmas

Nov 12, 2014

We know we haven’t even hit Thanksgiving yet, but holiday commercials are all over TV. Kids are making their ever-growing wish lists. And stores are decked to the nines in snowflakes and fake evergreen trees. There’s no better way to make the wait a little more fun than with an advent calendar. Here are 30 DIY ways to make your very own.

1. Newspaper Wrapping: Chocolate bars wrapped in newspaper and washi tape? Yeah, we’d be into that. (via Casa di Falcone)

2. Envelopes: Envelopes make an easy package for a small treat or a slip of paper. Just don’t forget to number them. (via Houzz)

3. Christmas Forest: While we do love the holidays, we think we love them even more when they involve printables like this adorable forest. (via A Lovely Lark)

4. Personal Advent: Sometimes, squabbling kids can take the joy out of a family tradition. Give them their own jars full of advent treats to minimize the fuss. (via This Little Street)

5. Rudolph on Parade: Any animal can be Rudolph with a touch of paint and a little red pom-pom nose. (via A Bubbly Life)

6. Giant Tree Calendar: Nervous about putting up a tree in your small apartment? Hang up a cloth one that can double as an advent calendar. (via Oh Happy Day)

7. Neon Village: This neon city, dubbed Christmas Street, is totally cute enough to go in our office. (via Mr. Printables)

8. Wooden Mini Tree: Add a new mini ornament to this tree every day until Christmas for a less-candy-filled take on the old calendar. (via Acute Designs)

9. Chocolate Box: On the other hand… a little bit of chocolate every day until Christmas sounds pretty good to us. (via Next to Nicx)

10. Toilet Paper Roll Calendar: This cozy calendar totally reminds us of a little log cabin. Just where you want to be on Xmas morn, right? (via Morning Creativity)

11. Scrapbook Paper Envelopes: These colorful envelopes are perfect for hiding little presents and for making one hip holiday display in your hallway. (via A Beautiful Mess)

12. Robot Calendar: Make the geeks in your life happy with these little robots. (via Next to Nicx)

13. Advent in a Jar: Attach colorful pom poms to holiday activities written on paper. When you take them out, string them one by one onto a garland for your tree. (via Poppytalk)

14. Boxes Calendar: Print these patterned boxes in any color that suits you and be ready for holiday surprises. (via Hey Look)

15. Felt Advent Calendar: Hang these little felted pockets from a branch for a little seasonal wall art. (via The Sweet Escape)

16. Wooden Ornaments: These numbered log ornaments create a more grown-up advent calendar. Mix them with your family tree or give them a tree of their own. (via Spalvotas Dryzuotas)

17. Scratch Off Advent: Use this tutorial to make your very own scratch-off cards and every day will be like winning the lottery… of chocolate. (via Rae Ann Kelly)

18. Hanging Chalkboard Calendar: Forget the mistletoe. (via Hank and Hunt)

19. Numbered Village Calendar: These little boxes are a perfect way to dress up your mantle. Though you may have to count them daily to be sure none go missing… not that we would do anything like that. (via Swoon Studio)

20. Paper Calendar: Are you a bit short on time? Cut out squares of wrapping paper, number them, write some holiday activities on the blank side and tape them to the wall. Boom. Done. (via Whimsy Darling)

21. A Bucket Tree: You can easily expand the 12 days of Christmas to 25 with this bucketful tree. Those shiny pails are perfect for treats and presents. (via Sugar and Charm)

22. Take-Out Box Calendar: This super simple advent calender only requires mini take-out boxes and number stickers. You got this. (via Studio DIY)

23. Modern Advent Calendar: Going sparkly white monochromatic with your holiday decor this year? This modern tree will fit right in. (via Weekday Carnival)

24. Mini Tree Calendar: The only thing this mini pine forest is missing is a frost of snow. (via Oh Happy Day)

25. Pantone Advent Calendar: Want all the treats with none of the work? This technicolor calendar takes no more than five minutes to make. (via Brit + Co)

26. Hanging Boxes Calendar: You just know there’s going to be something good in there when the boxes are this big. (via Welcome Zu)

27. Printable Forest Calendar: Hold on one minute. A printable forest? In bright colors and patterns? We’re so in. (via Love From Ginger)

28. Matchbox Calendar: Start collecting your matchboxes now, because you’re going to need them to construct this lovely advent calendar. (via The Merry Thought)

29. Clothespin Advent Tree: Here is the perfect excuse to buy more washi tape. (via Ann Meer Design)

30. Geometric Calendar: It’s a geometric advent calender, you guys. Geometric. (via Cherry Blossom Blog)

Would you buy or DIY your advent calendar? Tell us below!

These 17 Holiday Decor Finds Will Instantly Make Your Home Cozier

The holidays are here, people – now is the perfect time to gear up your holiday decor game! Luckily, Fortunoff Backyard Store is here to help you get a jump with plenty of holiday decor options like Christmas trees, ornaments, outdoor lighting, wreaths, and charming indoor pieces. We scrolled their entire site and found these 17 total hidden gems that will undeniably fill your home (inside and out) with cheer.

Scroll on for our favorite holiday decor finds from Fortunoff Backyard Store!

Fortunoff Backyard Store

7.5-Foot Norway Spruce Classic Christmas Tree with 800 Twinkling Dual LED Lights

This affordable Christmas tree is at the very top of our holiday decor wishlist. Plus, you can't beat cozy lighting!

Fortunoff Backyard Store

Terrafab Weathered Grey Barrel Gas Fire Pit

Though this gas-powered fire pit will sure come in handy during the cold holiday season, you can definitely still use it in the spring and summer for family bonfires and well into the following fall and winter for s'mores parties. Did we mention it's 64% off right now?!

Fortunoff Backyard Store

8.5-Inch Light Up Musical Water TV with Santa & Sleigh

This adorable battery-powered TV decor piece features a very charming Santa in his sleigh. We love the retro flair! When powered on, Santa's pictured in warm light and plenty of dazzling glitter to some of your favorite Christmas tunes.

Fortunoff Backyard Store

Wooden Triangle Santa Head Advent Calendar

We're all about advent calendars this season. The best part about this Santa design is you can use it year after year. This is definitely a fun and festive way to count down the days until Christmas!

Fortunoff Backyard Store

87-Inch Midnight Gas Pyramid Patio Heater

This 50%-off pick is perfect for keeping your holiday guests warm, especially if your patio or backyard tends to be your main hosting spot. It can cover about 210 square feet for a super cozy effect.

Fortunoff Backyard Store

Indoor Infinity Light Deer

This tiny deer fitted with a fun infinity mirror is ideal for decorating small spaces. You could also display it in your entryway or a front window for a bright and energetic "welcome home!"

Fortunoff Backyard Store

7.5-Foot Fraser Fir Full Christmas Tree with 2800 Twinkling LED Lights

Nothing beats a Christmas tree with some warm lights. They help supply that classic Christmas look we know and love. With pre-strung LED lights, you can spend more time enjoying the season instead of decorating!

Fortunoff Backyard Store

3.4-Foot Natural Reindeer with 360 Warm White LED Lights

Don't worry: we've got some goodies for you, all you yard decorators! This plug-in reindeer is crafted from a rattan material, giving it an unmatched cozy feel. It also comes ready to go with warm white LED lights that'll shine once the sun goes down.

Fortunoff Backyard Store

30-Inch Flocked Noble Fir Wreath with 100 LED Lights

This faux snow-sprinkled wreath looks great on its own with its collection of cozy lights, but you could also fix it up with some ribbons and other playful holiday accoutrement to show off on your front door.

Fortunoff Backyard Store

9-Foot Flocked Noble Fir Garland with 100 LED Lights

The coordinating garland is so gorgeous, too. Hang it across your mantle or along your stairwell to really up the holiday vibes!

Fortunoff Backyard Store

9-Foot Douglas Fir Full Christmas Tree with 4500 Twinkling Dual LED Lights

If you prefer your Christmas and holiday decor to lean more traditional, this is the tree for you. It gives a soft, warm glow that's sure to complement any interior!

Fortunoff Backyard Store

Red Shiny Shatterproof Christmas Ball Ornament

Of course, a Christmas tree wouldn't be a Christmas tree without some ornaments! We love Fortunoff Backyard Store's selection, plus you really can't go wrong with a classic ball shape.

Fortunoff Backyard Store

9-Foot Red and Green Poinsettia Garland

Poinsettias always provide a warm welcome to the holiday season. Embrace Christmastime with a pop of poinsettia blooms placed tastefully throughout this decked-out garland!

Fortunoff Backyard Store

11-Inch Framed Star with 400 Warm White LED Lights

The lights wound around this cheerful star-shaped decor piece have a magical twinkling effect that'll cover your front or back yard with tons of holiday cheer. The 11-inch frame is fitted with 26.2 feet of clear cable, so you can hang it how you really want it.

Fortunoff Backyard Store

4.9 x 6.6-Foot Christmas LED Warm White Net Light

Net lights like these are the premier choice for decorating your yard's shrubs and bushes. They're extremely easy to install, plus the net construction ensures your lights are always evenly distributed.

Fortunoff Backyard Store

23.5-Inch Infinity Light Snowman

If jolly's what you're looking for, this handsome little snowman will be the piece to complete this year's holiday decor setup! He can happily sit in a window or on top of your mantle, emitting an eye-catching design all the while.

Fortunoff Backyard Store

4-Inch Glass Mercury Plaid Ball Ornament

Plaid will never go out of style when it comes to holiday decor, as far as we're concerned. Snag a few of these glass ornaments to truly deck out your tree in timeless Christmas spirit!

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Chad Michael Murray's Sweet Reason For Bringing His Family To Set Proves He's The Ultimate Girl Dad

Chad Michael Murray has many names: Lucas Scott, Cal Jones, Jake — and Dad! The actor (whose new movie The Merry Gentlemen is on Netflix now) just revealed that he always brings his kids to work while filming, and my daddy's girl heart is simply melting.

If you're an One Tree Hill fan, there's a good chance you're a die-hard Lucas and Peyton shipper, but IRL Chad currently has three children with wife, Sarah Roemer: a son who's nine, a daughter who's six, and another daughter who just turned one.

Here's why Chad Michael Murray always brings his family to set with him.

Chad Michael Murray has three kids: a 9-year-old son, a 6-year-old daughter, and a 1-year-old daughter.
The actor revealed why his family, whom he calls "The Pack," joins him on every film set.
He also spills on why he's "really proud" of new Christmas movie The Merry Gentlemen, on Netflix now!

The reason Chad Michael Murray always brings his fam to set is actually really simple. “I want to be there," he tells Variety of why his family is inseparable. "I got to be there for my daughter’s first steps. I got to take her trick or treating for the first time. And she crushed it!"

The actor really views his family as a unit, and proudly calls them "The Pack," which sounds exactly like something Austin Ames from A Cinderella Story would call his family. But don't worry — even though the family was with him on the set of The Merry Gentlemen, which follows a group of guys who stage a steamy revue to rescue a local venue, the kids don't have any innocence lost.

“It’s not gratuitous by any means," he continues. "We threaded the needle on that film. You go too far and you’re making one movie, you go too under, and it doesn’t work at all. It’s in the perfect space where people won’t feel wrong having it on the TV in the background. It’s the sweet spot, and I’m really proud of that."

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A post shared by Chad Murray (@chadmichaelmurray)

Chad and his wife recently celebrated their 10th anniversary on September 19, and he posted the sweetest tribute in honor of the special day. "We’ve jammed more into this 10 years than I ever could’ve imagined. It’s truly astounding," he says on Instagram. "It’s been the Best decade of my life by far- sharing each and every moment with you. We’ve grown this little pack together and seen so much of the world as a family. I’m so grateful for you Sarah. Every day is a better and much brighter day with you in it:)"

"I hope and pray for at least 50 more anniversaries with you," he continues. "Till we’re old and gray… new hips, new knees, our elbow skin will be touching the ground, all the kids will think we’re senile but really we’re just f-ing with them… coz that’s what you do when you’re old and together:) I love you Sarah- Happy 10th Anniversary❤️❤️❤️"

In addition to his new holiday flick, the One Tree Hill actor recently made headlines for commenting on his potential return to the One Tree Hill sequel series that's (hopefully) coming to Netflix soon. We know Sophia Bush, Hilarie Burton, and Danneel Ackles are involved, but will we see Lucas join Brooke, Peyton, and Rachel? "No clue," he says, although he hopes it “comes together for the fans.”

“I mean, this fandom that has grown, I mean, literally, I was just in Halifax a week ago and, sure enough, I’m running into 11, 12, 13-year-old kids who are in love with Tree Hill,” he continues. “They’re seeing it on Hulu and they’re going, ‘Oh, my gosh.’ It’s stood the test of time and I think to have some new stories, whatever iteration of the show that’s created, I want it for the fans.”

C'mon everybody let's sing together — I DON'T WANNA BE ANYTHING OTHER THAN WHAT I'VE BEEN TRYNA BE LATELY!

Does Chad Michael Murray seem like the ultimate girl dad? Let us know in the comments and tag us with your hottest The Merry Gentlemen takes!

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OMG Miley Cyrus Makes Rare Comments On Why She "Loves" Maxx Morando

Miley Cyrus and boyfriend Maxx Morando are extremely elusive, TBH. We've gotten snippets of their relationship status here and there, from them moving in together to their adorable appearance at the Grammys, but not much more than that. Thankfully, Miley opened up to Harper's Bazaarabout her budding relationship, making rare comments about her curly-haired beau.

Here's what Miley Cyrus had to say about Maxx Morando!

Francis Specker/CBS

Like most millennials, Miley needs help staying up-to-date on all things Gen Z, including (and maybe especially) when it comes to memes. Luckily, apparently Maxx keeps her in the loop by sending her what he sees online — a time when their eight-year age gap really seems to come in handy. She told Harper's Bazaar, “He looks at life really differently than I do. He grew up with a laptop. I had a desktop computer that I shared with my brothers and sisters."

The Grammy-winner went on to explain that Maxx even uses his Gen Z-ness when it comes to their dog (OMG they have a dog together?!). She said, "Honestly, he’s raised our dog off Reddit. I’m like, Are you sure we’re supposed to be doing this? And he’s like, On Reddit it says blah, blah, blah."

She went on to explain that Maxx is "very similar" to her. She said, "We just don’t take life too seriously." This all plays into their ability for the two musicians to collaborate on creating, meshing their personal and professional lives pretty seamlessly. According to the article, Maxx helped write the song "Something Beautiful" on her upcoming album, which is apparently the title track...I'm not crying, you are!

While so many couldn't intertwine their careers with matters so personal, Miley clearly feels differently. She said, “I worked with my dad forever. That’s how me and my ex-husband met each other. I’ve always worked with the people that I love. And Maxx just inspires me so much.”

BRB while I anxiously await this new album...and any other updates on these two love birds!

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