Dr. Romance writes:
As a little girl, I loved Advent Calendars. I really didn't understand the religious aspect of them, I just loved opening the little doors every day, to see the picture inside (one year, there was even chocolate in there!) and waiting for the next day to see the surprise, until Christmas day finally came. I recently discovered two brand-new versions of this childhood treat.
Storybook Advent Calendar: 24 New and Classic Christmas Stories for Advent
Lewis Brech (Author) Michael Brech (Editor), Laura D. Lewis (Illustrator), Laura Dawn Lewis (Cover Design) This book makes me think "Why didn't someone do this before?" It's uplifting, educational, and celebratory for adults and children. Instead of a little door to open, the stories inside open the door to imagination. I especially like the entry for December 7, which explains the similarities and differences of Christianity, Judaism and Islam in a simple, profound and beautiful way.
The second Advent calendar I'm enjoying is a beautiful animated one by Jacqui Lawson, the artist who creates the stunning animated e-cards. The Jacqui Lawson Advent Calendar is an animated snow globe that sits on my computer desktop, and each day I can click on another number, and an animated scene unfolds. My favorite so far is a storefront window with a band playing a carol -- each musician chimed in as I clicked on them.
I'm not selling or profiting from either of these -- I just enjoyed them so much, I thought you would, too.
Whatever holidays you are celebrating, I wish you joy.