Christmas Countdown

A CHRISTMAS WISH

" Every day a little treat

Will help to make the wait complete!"

Advent is a time of waiting and anticipation. It is the period of four weeks leading up to Christmas. Each week has a different theme of hope, peace, joy, and love. I know that not everyone celebrates this holiday, so you might not agree with the religious significance. This year I am going to talk about some of the customs I love and that I hope I have passed on to my children. My plan is to have a message every day in December.

Like many Christmas customs, Advent calendars first became popular in Germany in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. They really weren't known in the United States until the 1950's when President Eisenhower's grandchildren were photographed with one for Newsweek magazine. Later, in 1958, the first ones with chocolate candies appeared.

Advent calendars have been a part of my Christmas for as long as I remember. When I was young, I picked out a calendar every year for myself. After I was a mom, I got calendars for each of my kids every year. (And one for me) At one time I had a large box of them. I have given quite a few away but still have my favorites. I never wanted to get the ones with candy or chocolate. With five children I didn't want any fights over disappearing candy and doors that mysteriously opened before their time. Instead, our calendars always had a pretty little picture inside, or a message. The ones with glitter were always the prettiest. I really liked the calendars from Kim Jacobs. 

They were usually scenes of a cozy kitchen or garden with a perfect little happy family. Tasha Tudor also had wonderful calendars. Another of my favorites one year had a different craft project for children to do. We tried to complete as many as possible. I remember young Meg made a braided bookmark and gave it to her dad. He carried it in his wallet for the rest of his life. 

Advent is also a time for remembering, things both happy and sad.

Years ago I created little messages in bottles. I called them Wishes. For Advent, I would put 25 of them in little star containers decorated with charms, ribbons, and bells. There was one message for each day. I will put a Wish at the top of each of these December messages.

I enjoy making banners and buntings. This one is made from five inch packaged quilting squares that can be purchased pre-cut. I folded them into little pockets and finished them with pins with Christmas figures and numbers 1-25.

This year I purchased a new one for myself.  The box is so pretty and has little packets that look like books! It's called a stationery calendar, so I am expecting it to be filled with papers, pens, stickers, etc. I am excited since I don't know what's in it. I love the surprise!

In 2018, when I lived in a fraternity house in a very small space, I purchased a tea calendar. It had teas and accessory items packaged in bags. I managed to not look at them and put them into decorated numbered bags that I made. Then I tied them all onto a wooden ladder and picked one every day.

The last one I have to show is my wooden lighthouse. The light house has a sentimental meaning for me, so when I saw this one I had to get it, even though it was over my usual budget. It's been several years now, and it still brings joy. Each little door and window is a drawer. They aren't too big, but hold a chocolate and an inspirational message each day. I think I will surprise myself with a pair of Christmas earrings in one of the spaces. 

Today Advent calendars are available in just about any subject I can think of, including alcoholic, pet treats, jewelry, toys, craft supplies, and tv and movie themes. There are even "adult themed" calendars. There are many You Tube videos featuring people opening calendars and rating them. Now, there is a job I would like to have!!!