12 Days Till Christmas Advent Tree

I love Christmas count-downs, and my kids love opening presents before Christmas. I found the perfect combination of the two over at simplykellyb. It is such a cute and easy idea, so I made one for my family. There are 12 boxes made out of paper, each a different size from large to small. Inside each box, I put a treat, craft, or Christmas activity that we could do on that day. So on December 13th, the countdown began and my kids opened box #12...and so on until Christmas Eve.

Here is what you need:

• 20 sheets of 12x12 heavy patterned paper. (I found a cute book of double-sided 12x12 Christmas paper at the craft store)
• A paper cutter that can also score (not necessary, but makes it MUCH easier to make the boxes)
• Tape
• Ribbon, raffia, etc to go around the boxes
• Number tags 1-12

Here's How:

• Each box will need 2 papers, cut and scored according to the dimensions below. Score each side of the papers to make folding easier.
• After scoring each side, there will be a square formed by the scored lines in each corner of the paper. Cut one side of the square in each corner to create the flaps of the box.
• Fold along the scored lines.
• Fold each flap in and tape.
• Place one inside the other to form the box. 

Box Dimensions...remember to make 2 of each day for the top and bottom of the box.

• 12th Day: 12x12 paper scored each side at 1"
• 11th Day: 12x12 paper scored each side at 1.5"
• 10th Day: 12x12 paper scored each side at 2"
• 9th Day: 10.5x10.5 paper scored each side at 1.5"
• 8th Day: 12x12 paper scored each side at 3"
• 7th Day: 8.5x8.5 paper scored each side at 1.5"
• 6th Day: 10x10 paper scored each side at 2.5"
• 5th Day: 7.5x7.5 paper scored each side at 1.5" (keep the scraps to use for day1)
• 4th Day: 6x6 paper scored each side at 1"
• 3rd Day: 6x6 scored each side at 1.5"
• 2nd Day: 5x5 paper scored each side at 1.5"
• 1st Day: 4.5x4.5 paper scored each side at 1"

Fill each box with treats, activities, crafts. Tie with a ribbon and connect the number tags. Stack and stagger to look like a tree. Have fun!!

 Here's a craft that was in Day 11:

What will the next 10 days hold? My kids are so excited to open something every night!