How to Make a Hanukkah Countdown Calendar

Hanukkah countdown charts are fun and easy to make.

Celebrate the eight days of Hanukkah with a special countdown calendar that you can make with your children. Older children should be able to make the countdown calendar fairly independently, but younger children will need adult assistance to use the glue gun, scissors or stapler. Typically Hanukkah countdown calendars are made with a pocket or other area to hold a special treat that is "discovered" each night. The surprise might be a small dreidel, coins, pieces of candy or other items.

Things You'll Need

• Felt and Fabric Hanukkah Countdown Calendar:
• 1 18-inch by 28-inch piece of felt
• Craft glue or hot glue gun
• 8 squares of Hanukkah-themed fabric
• 1 tube of fabric paint
• 4 strong magnets
• 8 Hanukkah surprises
• Menorah Hanukkah Countdown Calendar:
• Poster board
• 8 egg carton cups
• Stapler and staples
• Crayons or markers

Instructions

Felt and Fabric Hanukkah Countdown Calendar

1. Cut 8 2-1/2-inch by 2-1/2-inch squares from different Hanukkah-themed material.

2. Arrange the squares on the felt. You can line them up in two rows of four squares each or place them randomly around the bottom two-thirds of the felt.

3. Write "Happy Hanukkah" with the fabric paint towards the top of the felt in the area above the fabric squares.

4. Glue the two sides and bottom of each fabric square onto the felt. Use a hot glue gun or craft glue. Allow to dry.

5. Glue strong magnets on the back of the felt at each corner. You can get the magnets from the craft store.

6. Hang on the refrigerator. Place a surprise in each fabric pocket.

Menorah Holiday Countdown Calendar

1. Cut 8 egg cups from an egg carton. Color or paint each one a different color. Let dry. Write numerals 1-8 on each cup and set aside.

2. Draw a menorah and candles onto the piece of poster board. Be sure to draw a longer menorah arm for the shamash.

3. Staple the egg cups on the top of each unlit candle.

4. Draw or paint a flame onto one candle on every night of Hanukkah.

5. Place a surprise in an egg cup for the child to find each night.

References

• Education.com: Craft a Hanukkah Countdown Calendar
• Land of Nod: Hanukkah Countdown Calendar