The holiday season is always a special time, and this year I wanted to bring a bit of magic into my home with a smart advent calendar. After brainstorming and planning, I decided to create an advent calendar that not only lights up but also integrates with my smart home ecosystem. The result? A beautiful, functional, and deeply personal project that has become a cherished part of our holiday traditions.
The journey started with a simple idea: have each day of December light up a specific window in our house, guided by our daily routines. The first challenge was figuring out the right hardware. I settled on an ESP8266 Feather board paired with a TLC-5947 chip to handle the 24 channels of PWM lighting. The setup was powered by a USB lead, keeping things simple and energy-efficient.
Designing the physical structure was another adventure. I opted for a 3D-printed model, which turned out to be slightly translucent. To enhance opacity and reduce light bleed, I painted the divisions with acrylic white paint. While the model is as large as my friend’s printer bed could handle, I wish it were about 20% bigger to simplify wiring. Nonetheless, it’s a perfect fit for our home.
The real magic happens with the automation. Every day, the calendar selects the appropriate LED based on the number of days elapsed in December. The lights are chosen to align with our routines, ensuring a seamless integration with our daily lives. For example, the security light at the front door lights up first, followed by the dressing room on the second day, and so on. This thoughtful integration adds a personal touch to the calendar, making it more than just a tech project—it’s a reflection of our family’s routines and traditions.
The project has been a fantastic way to engage with the community and share my passion for DIY smart home projects. It’s also been a great opportunity to explore new technologies and push the boundaries of what’s possible with off-the-shelf components. If you’re looking for a meaningful and creative way to celebrate the holidays, I highly recommend giving a smart advent calendar a try. The sense of accomplishment—and the joy it brings to your home—is truly priceless.