Advent calendar

For the past 3 years, we have used books as an Advent Calendar for Miss L. I have bought, over a few weeks before December 1st, 24 books, new and used. For the first year, they were Christmas Themed books. The past two years have been a variety of picture books. As they had been purchased over time, I was able to buy books that were on special, books from a variety of discount places and also books I knew would be enjoyed. I also found that some of the Charity Shops had 'as new' books that were just that - as new condition for a fraction of the retail price

The books were wrapped and placed under the tree and each day one was chosen and unwrapped then read at bedtime. It was a lovely way to enjoy the lead up to Christmas.

This year I have decided to  do something different and have purchased a wooden Advent Christmas Tree. It was raw wood, purchased for 50% off at Riot Art, and I spray painted the outer shell white. I am papering the drawers one by one each night - I'm hoping that this adds to the excitement of the last drawer being finished and opened - which means Christmas Eve!

Rather than just chocolates, there will be little gifts and some not so little that will not fit into the small drawers. These will be 'find me' gifts where a note will be left to find the gift elsewhere. Things such as a named tree bauble, a Santa Snow Dome, Little Unicorn gifts etc. I will also include some 'kindness' notes so that little acts of kindness are done. These will include 'Place a gift under the Giving Tree at Kmart for another child', 'Put a card in the letter box of all the houses in our street' etc.

So far, there has been alot of pleasure and anticipation as each day reveals a different 'gift'. Together with Elf antics, Miss L wakes up excitedly each morning and hurries out to see what is in store for her today!

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