I have been looking back at a lot of traditions over the years, and one of my favorite things was when I would receive an advent calendar. And I’m not talking about the ones you can buy at the drug store that have chocolate in them for each day. It only happened a few times, but I loved when my parents put together an advent of assorted gifts, usually small toys, candy, hair accessories, etc.

Last year, I tried to bring back the joy of the advent by purchasing a different advent calendar for each member of my family- a mini tree with ornaments for my mom, mini Marvel Funkos for my brother, and crystals for my sister-in-law. I also got myself a wooden advent full of drawers that I filled with small items. It wasn’t quite as fun because I knew what all of the items were, but I did enjoy it.

This year, I’ve taken things a bit further… dare I say possibly too far? I don’t really think it’s too far at all, but I am spoiling myself with advents this year. I picked out a variety of different advents for myself to enjoy this December, from toys to kindness and I’m really looking forward to opening them each day.

I have:

Pukka tea
Gourmet hot chocolates
Godiva chocolates
Lindt chocolates
Walker shortbread
Christmas charm bracelet
Disney charm bracelet
Socks
Office Funko pop characters
Nail Polish
Lotions and spa treat
Kindness
Mindfulness
Christmas movies
Squishies

And I didn’t forget my wooden advent with the drawers… that is being filled with enamel pins (and I won’t know which ones are where because someone else is filling it for me).

Things are tough with the tension and distance in my family now, so I am working on creating some of my own traditions that I can celebrate on my own or with friends in the future. There will be some trial and error along the way, I’m sure, but I hope to find several new traditions to embrace.

I’ll be talking about something else I’m trying this year next week.