make/do: _holiday '11 advent project

Happy December!

I know posting an Advent Project after the 1st of December is like posting a Turkey recipe after thanksgiving... but please follow me on this one!

If you have small children who don't know otherwise or would rather opt for a shorter "advent countdown" to Christmas .. then this is a very simple project that comes together quickly that you can start whenever suites you best.

My main dilemma with interesting advent calendars/countdowns is that often they do not accommodate multiple children (I have 3 sons!) nor fit into a small space.

My criteria for this year's Advent countdown:
1. Quick project & efficient on time // 2. Inexpensive materials // 3. Does not take up much space // 4. Fun for the kiddies // 5. Suitable for multiple children

Meet the Advent Punch-Cup. Fun! Exciting! Inexpensive! Time efficient! This project took about 1 1/2 hours to complete once materials were gathered, cost less than $10 and in my case, is suitbale for 3 children.

Supplies:
_Paper or plastic disposable cups. The amount you will need will depend on the number of children you have and the number of days you are counting down. I have 3 kids x 24 = 72 paper cups. 1 large cup for the entire family would also be fun. I used cheap mini paper cups with a dumb design on the side. If you have OCD you could find prettier cups or paint to match as, when pinned on the wall, you do see the sides of the cups.
_Thumb tacks.
_Tissue paper or other thin paper to cover the cups with.
_Basic supplies: scissors, glue stick & paper.
_Decorative elements: washi tape, crepe paper etc.
_Goodies, chocolate and/or a list of fun things to do for your Advent Countdown. I filled each cup with a handful of chocolate chips & a fun project or activity to to each day. I made a list of each project or activity on my calendar so I would not catch myself by surprise or be unprepared for the day's fun!

Steps:
_Plan the design you want the cups to be arranged in. This will depend on the number of cups & space you want to fill. I did a diamond-ish sort of design.
_Pin the cups on the wall using the thumbtacks. Do this by pinning from the inside of the bottom of the cup to the wall.
_Cut paper circles a bit larger than the size of the cup circumference.
_Fill each cup with goodies, an activity written on a piece of paper or chocolate.
_Using a glue stick, glue the paper circle to the cup, making sure the edges are sealed so the cup will "pop" once poked.
_If you are using decorative elements or a number countdown, it's easier to add this to the circle  before they are glued to the cups.
_Once everything is assembled, add any additional decorations (I added feathers, fringe & frilly bits!)

Each morning the kids can "poke" a cup -- what fun! -- and count down the days until Christmas!