Christmas Tree Countdown Craft: A Daily Christmas Activity for Kids

cardboard painted to look like a christmas tree with numbers on it Pom poms are glued over some of the numbers

There’s a certain kind of magic in the holiday season which makes each day feel like a little adventure. For children, the countdown to December 25th is filled with excitement, wonder, and endless anticipation. One way to make those days even more special is with a handmade Christmas Tree Countdown Craft. This simple yet charming decoration doubles as a daily Christmas activity for kids, making every morning in December feel one day closer to holiday joy.

christmas tree made out of cardboard to countdown the day until christmas

The concept is easy, approachable, and engaging. Children help create the countdown tree, and then enjoy the daily ritual of adding a bright pom pom to mark the passing days. By Christmas Eve, the tree is full, cheerful, and ready to shine as part of the holiday decor. It’s hands-on, creative, and a wonderful way to make each day of the countdown memorable.

How to Make the Christmas Tree Countdown Craft

Creating the Christmas Tree Countdown Craft is straightforward, yet leaves plenty of room for imagination. All that’s needed is a few supplies and a little paint.

Materials:

Cardboard
Green paint
Yellow paint
Pom poms
Glue
Scissors
Marker or paint pen

Instructions:

cardboard cut out to look like a christmas tree

1. Shape the Tree: Cut a large triangle or classic pine-tree shape out of sturdy cardboard. Keep the bottom of the tree wide so there’s plenty of room for all the circles. Leave a smaller rectangle at the bottom for the trunk.

cardboard cut out to look like a christmas tree and painted green

2. Paint the Tree: Use green paint for the tree’s body. Let the strokes be a little haphazard. Brush strokes naturally evoke the look of pine needles. The trunk stays the color of the cardboard, adding a natural look.

cardboard cut out and painted yellow to look like a star

3. Add the Star: Cut out a star from the cardboard, paint it a bright yellow, and glue it to the top of the tree. It becomes the finishing touch and a little beacon of holiday joy.

cardboard painted to look like a christmas tree with numbers on it

4. Numbered Circles: Draw 24 circles across the tree. A marker or paint pen works perfectly. Inside each circle, write a number from 1 to 24. This creates the countdown spots. And just like that, the DIY Christmas advent calendar for kids is ready.

5. Daily Pom Pom Fun: Place the tree somewhere easy for kids to reach. Each day, children glue one pom pom into the correct numbered circle. As the days pass, the Christmas tree fills up with colorful decorations, turning into a work of art created by little hands. By Christmas Eve, the tree is complete.

Why This Craft Is the Perfect Christmas Activity for Kids

Christmas crafts for kids work best when they’re both creative and interactive. This project is about building a tradition. Every day of December becomes a moment of hands-on fun, helping children mark time in a tangible way.

It encourages patience and excitement, offering a small creative outlet each morning or evening. The ritual of adding a pom pom provides something to look forward to daily, turning the countdown itself into an event. For children, this makes waiting into an adventure.

On a practical side, this Christmas activity for kids also supports fine motor skills. Holding pom poms, dabbing glue, and placing them in just the right circle helps with coordination. Plus, the repetitive nature makes it easy for younger children to join in.

DIY Christmas Advent Calendar for Kids

Anyone looking for new Christmas traditions should consider making this DIY Christmas advent calendar for kids. Instead of opening doors or collecting candy, little hands decorate a tree one day at a time. Each pom pom marks another step closer to the holiday, and the countdown itself becomes a piece of handmade art.

Unlike store-bought calendars, this one doesn’t require extra purchases or hidden prizes. The joy comes from the ritual, the craft itself, and the excitement of watching the tree transform day by day. It’s simple, creative, and filled with heart.

Creating Moments That Matter with this Christmas Activity for Kids

The Christmas Tree Countdown Craft is a reason to pause together each day. Gathering around the countdown tree becomes a daily ritual that gives little ones something to look forward to, and reminds adults to slow down and enjoy these times. It’s a reminder of how small Christmas traditions create lasting holiday memories.

A Holiday Keepsake in the Making

By the end of December, the Christmas Tree Countdown Craft becomes a keepsake filled with memories. Each pom pom represents a day closer to holiday magic, marked by tiny hands and a lot of glue. Children feel pride in seeing the tree transform, knowing they had a part in making it complete.

Unlike store-bought countdowns, this DIY Christmas advent calendar for kids carries personality and charm. The brush strokes, the glue blobs, the uneven pom pom placement, each one adds character. It’s a daily Christmas activity for kids that goes beyond simple crafting. It becomes a tradition, one that can be repeated year after year, with new designs and new memories made each holiday season.

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