How to Make a Christmas Book Advent Calendar
A book advent calendar is a stack of wrapped books, one for each night from December 1 through Christmas Eve, that kids unwrap and read together before bed. It turns the countdown into a reading habit instead of a candy habit. You do not need 24 new books: many families mix in favorites already on the shelf, library holiday picks, and a few inexpensive secondhand finds, and some families wrap only 12 books and open one every other night. Number each package, put the longest or most special book near Christmas Eve, and keep a few short picture books ready for busy nights when there is little time.
Practical tips
- Decide on 24 books, or 12 if you plan to open one every other night.
- Shop your own shelves first and wrap books the kids have not read in a while.
- Borrow holiday picture books from the library and note the due dates.
- Look for secondhand books at thrift stores, used bookstores, and library sales.
- Wrap in plain paper or newspaper and number each package with a marker.
- Put shorter books on school nights and longer ones on weekends.
- Save a special Christmas Eve book for the last package.
- Write the date you first read each book inside the cover as a keepsake.
Frequently asked questions
How many books do I need for a book advent calendar?
24 for a full December 1 to 24 countdown, or 12 if you open one every other night or only on weekends.
Do the books have to be new?
No. Rewrapped favorites, library books, and secondhand books all work, and kids often enjoy rediscovering old stories.
Can I include library books?
Yes, but keep a list so they are returned on time, and wrap them gently without tape on the covers.