Advent calendars have been a holiday tradition for centuries, and over that time countless versions have come and gone. While the more common variety is the rectangular shape with small, paper windows for chocolates, there are more creative renditions to consider, such as the walnut shell idea presented here. Besides the high level of creativity this one requires (teeny, tiny gifts only!), the best part of this Advent calendar is that it's green; you're not buying anything new. (Well, you might have to make a trip to the store for the walnuts — organic, of course.) Scrounge around the house long enough and you'll find almost everything you need to get started and have fun with this holiday project. (Text: Ashley Chase/MNN)

 

Project instructions by Lindsay Kurz. This article originally appeared in Plenty in December 2008. Copyright Environ Press 2008