As well, when I was younger, there were commercially made advent calendars available that didn't contain candy or chocolate. They had quotes, sayings or small phrases written in them. On years where my mom didn't make her own, she would buy these ones (on sale of course, from last year's Boxing Day sales). I always thought she bought these ones because I wasn't allowed to eat chocolate, but I look back and realise that it was also because she wanted the Countdown to Christmas to involve all my learning skills! Moms can be so tricky, sneaking in all that learning when a child thinks it’s play!
So, as the 1st of December approaches, I eagerly check my mailbox every day to see if mom has sent a package. In it, there will be an advent calendar and this means that the time of sharing, loving, giving and family time is here! Something new will happen this year though...... for on its way, to my parents’ mailbox in another city..... is an advent calendar just for them!! Time to share the learning (and chocolate)!