Easy ideas to make December even more fun. Say no to cheap chocolate or overpriced mini-gins and yes to a homemade advent calendar that you and the kids can create together.

1. Fill envelopes with Christmas activity ideas

This is simple, you just fill 24 envelopes with fun activities to do together, things like ice skating, writing a letter to Santa, or making popcorn for a Christmas movie. Pin envelopes to a pinboard (4 across, 6 down fits nicely). Or stick to the wall with washi tape, in the shape of a Christmas tree.

If you pick the activities together, there’s anticipation all the way up to the big day (‘hang up stocking’ can be the last activity). Rather than a 12-second sugar rush each morning.

2. Create a photo advent calendar

This personalised advent calendar doubles as festive decor and it couldn’t be simpler to make. All you need to do is get 24 of your favourite snaps printed as Retro Prints. Flip them over and write numbers 1-24 on the back in white or silver pen, then stick all 24 pictures number-side out in the shape of a tree onto a big piece of cardboard. As each day passes you can flip the photos over and you’ll end up with a festive photo tree.

3. Make a tree cone forest

Super simple, this Christmas Forest idea from Earnest Home Co, uses paper cones which hide a treat on your mantelpiece and looks lovely too. You could reuse party hats, for an even easier version.

4. Bake a gingerbread advent calendar

This recipe for a gingerbread advent calendar from Butcher Baker Baby gives you a fun activity to do with the kids at the start of the month and it’s entirely recyclable (mainly because you’ll munch through all those biscuits). The only issue will be your self control.

5. Print a free monochrome box calendar

This printable box calendar looks ultra stylish and its black and white boxes won’t kill all your printer ink.

6. Make an advent calendar in a jar

Yes this handy space-saving advent calendar in a jar lets you pull out a fun activity to do each day.

So, how crafty are you feeling this year? Baking, making or creating your own Christmas gifts – we’d love to see how you’re celebrating.