Craft a Hanukkah Countdown Calendar

Here’s a fun and simple way to help kids count down the eight nights of Hanukkah. Your child can create a countdown calendar by drawing a menorah, and positioning egg carton compartments above each candle. As each day of Hanukkah is counted down, he will receive a small treat in each compartment! This activity is an entertaining way to build up his anticipation for the final night as he practices counting!

What You Need:

• An empty cardboard egg carton
• Scissors
• Poster board
• Stapler
• Paint, brushes, markers
• Small treats: gelt, stickers, tiny dreidels, coins, love notes, etc.

What You Do:

1. Have your child draw a  menorah and candles on the poster board. Don’t forget to make one arm taller for the shamash. For reference, ask your child to look online for a picture of a menorah.
2. Cut 8 cups out of the carton and discard the rest.
3. Ask your child to staple the top of the egg cups above all 8 branches of the menorah, leaving the space above the shamash empty.
4. Invite your child to number the eggs cups from 1–8.
5. Each night of Hanukkah, ask your child to draw or paint a flame above the appropriate eggcup.
6. After bedtime, hide a small treat in the egg cup for your child to discover the next night.