Last year I tried, and bought a cheap Advent Calendar with cheap chocolates. The only problem was that I realized two weeks into December that we had been forgetting to open the nasty little things.

This year I gave it a brief thought, and then decided we would skip the Advent disaster of last year.

However, friends, family and others have reminded me of the importance of this occasion. A very good friend actually sent my girls an Advent Calendar in the mail the other day. With a note saying, “I remember the memories of having an Advent Calendar to open everyday as a kid. Enjoy!” My mother bought the girls Advent houses, as well.

It appears that despite my attempts to avoid the Advent Calendar scenerio for my kids, I have been reminded of the special memories and the importance of having traditions and special things to share with each other. I suppose next year I will have to put a little more effort into it.