This is a fun way to keep track of the days until Christmas, especially for younger kids. It’s also a good way to get in a little counting practice if you make them count the days off each day.
But don’t think it’s limited to younger kids — This is a big deal at our house where we make a big production of tearing off the next ring after dinner each night. The kids absolutely love it!
What You’ll Need:
- The template below printed on yellow construction paper
- Red construction paper
- Green construction paper
- Glue
- Scissors
- Stapler
- Crayons (optional)
What to Do:
1. Cut 13 strips of red construction paper that are about 1 inch wide and 8 inches long. Cut 12 strips of green paper with the same dimensions.
2. Print out the bell pattern below on yellow construction paper. Color with crayons if desired and cut out. (You could also decorate the bell with glitter, sequins, markers, etc. if you want.)
3. Roll one of the red strips of paper into a loop and staple it onto the bottom of the bell. Loop a green strip of paper through the red loop to get the chain started. Continue to alternate the red and green strips of paper to make a chain that has 25 links in it.
4. Hang the bell and chain up in a prominent place and tear off one link at the end of each day until Christmas.
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{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
Countdown to Christmas Bell:
This is a fun way to keep track of the days until Christmas, especially for younger k… http://bit.ly/6HiUYD
This comment was originally posted on Twitter
I’ve worked with kids 25 years and never have seen this. How cute. I plan to make it this year. Thanks
I have made the Christmas Chain before to count down. I usually write down an activity on each chain for something to do that day (ex: make someone smile today, a Christmas joke or tongue twister, play pin the nose on frosty, etc.). The bell is a nice way to finish it off though and I think I will be adding it to mine. Thanks for the idea!
I like the idea of adding activities on each chain. It is cute, but I couldn’t find the template to print and I would like to make it today. Thanks
I really like this idea please send me the template and the poem to print out, thanks
Dee .
Hi Dee and Cindy!
All you have to do is click on the big bell and it will open up in a new window/tab. Then you can print it.
Sorry about the confusion!
I am a family day carer and all the children loved this christmas activity suitable for all ages. They were so exited to see the length of the chain, and talked about were to hang it. well thought of idea
RT @KidCrafts: Countdown to Christmas Bell, a fun way to keep track of the days until Christmas, esp 4 young k… http://bit.ly/6HiUYD #fb
This comment was originally posted on Twitter
Thanks for another awesome craft idea!!
Hugs, Ashlyn
Thanls for craft idea.
I did this with my 2 girls home and then with our Brownie troop to fill some extra time. They loved it. I know it is going to become a yearly tradition!