Counting down to Christmas is one of the most magical parts of the holiday season, and our free printable Christmas countdown makes it even more special! Whether you’re marking off the days with your kids or your family or just enjoying the festive build-up yourself, this printable Christmas countdown chain is a fun and easy way to get into the holiday spirit. Download it, print it out, and start counting down to the most wonderful day of the year!
Christmas is coming quickly this year, and I can tell you that my kids are so excited. They have already begun asking for advent calendars and writing letters to Santa. One of my favorite traditions in our home is to create a paperchain Christmas countdown. We have made one for years out of good ol construction paper, but this year we decided to make a printable version and I am hooked! I am excited to share two different versions of it with you! A traditional Christmas color one and then one with blues and silvers. Download it below and start counting down with the kids in no time.
Why I love Countdown Chains as a mom
As a mom, I absolutely love this Christmas countdown chain because it’s a way to bring our family closer during one of the busiest seasons. Every year, as soon as the countdown goes up, the magic begins. It’s not just about marking the days; it’s about creating moments.
In our home, the countdown is a tradition we all look forward to. Each morning, my kids excitedly race to remove another link, and we talk about what we’re most excited about for Christmas.
Sometimes it’s the presents, sometimes it’s baking cookies, but more often, it’s about the little things—like cozy movie nights or seeing the lights around the neighborhood. Certainly, Buster the Elf is a huge excitement, too! SIDENOTE: If you have an elf, be sure to grab all our elf-on-the-shelf ideas, like our Elf on the Shelf Hot Cocoa Bar Printable, 25 Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas + Elf on the Shelf Calendar Printable, and our Elf-Sized Elf on the Shelf Playing Cards and Game Ideas.
One year, we even started a game where we’d write tiny acts of kindness on the back of each link, so as we counted down, we were spreading holiday cheer too. That’s when I realized this countdown wasn’t just about the calendar—it was about teaching my kids the true meaning of Christmas: love, joy, and togetherness.
This simple, festive activity has become the heart of our holiday traditions. It’s an easy way to slow down, savor the season, and connect as a family. I know your family will love it just as much as we do! Be sure to grab yours below!
What are the benefits of a Christmas Countdown Chain?
There are so many benefits to using a countdown chain this Christmas with your family.
- Builds Excitement– Counting down the days adds a sense of anticipation and joy as Christmas gets closer, especially for kids who love tracking time in a fun way.
- Creates Family Traditions– Using a countdown chain can become a cherished family tradition, fostering connection and togetherness during the holiday season.
- Encourages Daily Interaction– It provides a reason for the family to come together each day, even if just for a few moments, to mark off another day.
- Adds Festive Decor– The colorful and creative design of the countdown chain doubles as a festive decoration that brightens up any space.
- Teaches Patience– For kids, it’s a simple and visual way to understand the concept of waiting and time passing.
- Increases Holiday Spirit– The daily act of counting down keeps the holiday spirit alive and builds excitement for all the festivities to come.
- Affordable and Easy– It’s an inexpensive activity that’s simple to set up, making it perfect for families, classrooms, or even workplaces.
Supplies Needed
To make your Christmas countdown, you will need:
- The free printable Christmas countdown: Download and print the file below.
- Paper or cardstock: For durability, cardstock is a great option.
- Scissors: To cut out the individual pieces. You can also use a papercutter. This paper cutter is my favorite.
- Glue or tape: For attaching the countdown chain togther as instructed.
- Markers, crayons, or stickers (optional): To decorate and add a personal touch.
- A display area: Like your fridge, a wall, pinboard, or Chrismtas tree to showcase the countdown.
How to Assemble Your Christmas Countdown Chain
- Print the Countdown: Download the Christmas countdown file and print it on paper or cardstock for added durability.
- Cut Out the Strips: Use scissors to carefully cut along the lines of the template, creating individual strips for each day of the countdown.
- Prepare the Strips: If you’d like to customize the chain, now’s the time to decorate the strips with markers, stickers, or written messages.You can even write fun holiday activities or acts of kindness on the inside of each strip for an extra layer of excitement!
- Create the First Loop: Take the strip marked for the first day of the countdown, curl it into a loop, and secure the ends together with glue, tape, or even a stapler.
- Add the Links: Slide the next strip through the first loop to create a chain link. Secure the ends together and repeat with all the remaining strips, connecting them in order until you have one long chain.
- Display the Chain: Hang your countdown chain in a visible spot, such as on the wall, across a doorway, or around your Christmas tree.
- Countdown to Christmas: Each day, remove one link from the chain as you count down the days until Christmas.
How to Use Your Christmas Countdown
- Set Up Your Countdown: Once assembled, place the countdown in a central location where everyone can see it, such as on the fridge, a wall, or a pinboard.
- Start Counting Down: Begin on the first day of the countdown (e.g., 25 days before Christmas) and follow along each day.
- Mark Each Day: Tear off a chain each day on your Christmas countdown chain.
- Make It a Daily Ritual: Gather as a family, or let kids take turns removing a link from the countdown chian. This can become a fun and cherished tradition.
- Enjoy the Excitement: Watch the countdown grow smaller as the days to Christmas get closer. It’s a fun way to build anticipation for the big day!
Free Printable Countdown Chain
Join our email list to grab our free printable countdown chain for Christmas. If you prefer not to join our email list, you can purchase yours here. Grab your Christmas countdown chain today and start creating cherished memories that will last for years to come.
Michele Tripple is a renowned author and expert in the fields of parenting, relationships, and personal development. She is a certified Life Coach with her degree in marriage and family studies, her experience as a Family Life Educator, and over a decade of experience as a professional writer; Michele has authored books that provide practical advice and insights into improving family dynamics and personal growth. Her work is celebrated for its blend of research-driven information and relatable, real-world applications. Michele has been a keynote speaker at conferences and has contributed to numerous publications and media outlets, solidifying her reputation as an authoritative voice in her field and helping families build relationships.