Making a homemade DIY stone advent calendar nativity scene is an easy way to countdown to prepare for the celebration of Christmas.
Advent means ‘coming’ in Latin. This simple stone advent calendar is a great way to remember the true meaning of this holy day. The stones are representative of the journey of the wise men.
Related: Meaningful Christmas Traditions for a Magical Holiday
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Simple Stone Advent Calendar Nativity Scene
My daughter has always had a thing for rocks. Our fall nature table has become littered with them!
When I saw THIS advent nature table by Explore and Express I knew it was perfect for my daughter so I decided to give it a try. Make sure you pop over to have a look at what they did!
Related: Winter Bucket List Family Guide to Seasonal Activities and Crafts
You don’t need anything but the stones for this advent calendar, removing one stone a day is all that’s needed to make this work.
We decided to use plain wooden peg dolls and make a stable to go with it. Click on the link for our directions to our DIY Craft Stick Nativity Stable.
Stone Advent Calendar Nativity Scene Supplies
You will need to go on a nature hunt to find some stones or rocks to use. You could even use pebbles, shells, pinecones and/or acorns if you like!
- 24 Stones
- Wooden Peg dolls (optional)
The bag of wooden peg dolls listed above will give you enough for this advent calendar, DIY Rainbow Peg Dolls and Elf Peg Doll Ornaments too. The rainbow peg dolls make a great homemade gift idea for kids!
Related: Ultimate Family Gift Guide with DIY and ready-made options!
You can make this handmade nativity stable to go with it, or you can use any one of these lovely stables or nativity sets.
This nativity is my favorite, but being a DIY mom that loves to decorate peg dolls, I just had to make my own.
Like many peg dolls before them, the simple peg dolls that you see in this post will soon be transformed. They will be made into decorated wise men and a holy family that will be published soon!
I like to provide options 😉 Once again… stay tuned!
Related: Christmas Gifts Kids Can Make Your Family Will Love!
Stone Advent Calendar Nativity Scene Directions
Find a table, windowsill, counter or mantle that has enough room to lay out your stones. Spirals and circles work too and would be equally gorgeous!
If you are using peg dolls, select three to use as your wise men and place them behind the first stone of your advent calendar.
Related: Christmas Ornaments Kids Can Make
Next select 3 peg dolls to use as the holy family (Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus) and place them at the other end of the 24 stones in your stone advent calendar.
Related: Easy Wooden Peg Doll Holy Family Nativity
Starting on December 1st, remove one stone and move the wise men one step closer each day until Christmas.
Related: Reverse Fingerprint Christmas Cards
That’s it! Easy-peasy right? I knew you’d love it! 🙂
I just love the way this simple stone advent calendar nativity scene looks on our nature table this year with our Craft Stick Nativity Stable and Easy Wooden Peg Doll Holy Family.
For more ideas be sure to check out Meaningful Christmas Traditions for a Magical Holiday. Learn more about Rhythms of Play HERE!
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Hi Nell, I love this post! So glad that you have been able to use this idea, and thank you for linking back to Explore and Express.
Hi Sheila!
I fell in love with your idea the minute I saw it and knew it would be perfect for my daughter. I love the idea of the stones symbolizing the journey of the wise man. Not many advent calendars these days can bring the meaning of Christmas to life quite like this one can. Thank you for the inspiration to create such a beautiful nativity scene on our Nature table this year.