Advent Calendar...

I remember when my sister and I were little, we had an advent calendar.  It was a pre-made one filled with candy.  I still remember the anticipation, even though I knew it would be a chocolate every time. 

Working hard at being the perfect aunt, I decided this was something my nieces needed to experience.  I looked high and low and found the perfect wooden advent calendar at a Cracker Barrel in Kentucky.  My luggage took it pretty hard trying to get it back in one piece.  Every Thanksgiving I drop it off at my sister's.  This year I wasn't able to take it, so I had to wrap the poor thing up and send it off. 

The box has seen its better days and the bell was crushed somewhere along the way.  My sister now has 4 kids and it is getting harder and harder to fit stuff into the little boxes.  Still, you have to love the challenge.  I happily tucked little treasures into every box.  I had to rubber band the doors shut for the trip.  Then I triple wrapped everything. 

The package arrived on November 30th (do I have perfect timing or what?).   My sister said the girls were surprised by the early Christmas present, then they realized what it was.  Yahoo.  Aunt Bonnie didn't forget.

The little house made it safe and sound.  Filled with goodies and the countdown to Christmas.  Ya gotta love it.  My sister told me the little one caught on real quick to the principle of the calendar and is sharing the excitement of her older sisters.  I got a lovely call from the girls today thanking me for the calendar.  It is true, Christmas is for the children.  I only wish I could be there every day when they open the little doors.  Merry Christmas.

If you can't find one at Cracker Barrel, Our Best Bites had another great idea: http://www.ourbestbites.com/2011/12/advent-calendar-ideas/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ourbestbites%2FdjLu+%28Our+Best+Bites%29