Find out how to make your own advent calendar in Creating your perfect Christmas by Antonia Swinson, with projects by Sania Pell.

The mounting excitement of counting the days to Christmas with a special calendar has been a seasonal ritual since the 19th century. Discovering pictures behind little doors is the basis of the most familiar advent calendar, but more imaginative versions are great fun for children. Begin wby obtaining a few sturdy twigs from your garden or a florist. Hang up anything that can be numbered-miniature stockings, tiny envelopes, craft boxes, fabric bags, paper cones, or painted matchboxes-and fill the containers with chocolates, little toys, or a seasonal 'Did you know? ' Alternatively, use ribbon to hang your containers from window frames, door frames, or a mantelpiece, or try a board with pegs or hooks, to which baggage labels, gift tags, or envelopes can be hung together with a present or keepsake.

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