While I like the lead-up to Christmas about as much as your average American (with occasional forays into Grinch-dom), my husband downright adores the holiday season. This year was the first that I had gotten my act together in time to make an advent calendar for him. (The apparent absence of a biological clock doesn't mean I can't funnel that spare maternal energy toward Shawn and our dog.)
Let me tell you, making 24 various-sized paper trees for our mantle was (and continues to be) a labor of love. I used a cone template, PaperSource's gold and silver glitter wrapping paper, and their recommended Super Tacky Tape. (Each tree has a number, fashioned from a pipe cleaner, sticking out of the point at the top.) Every morning, "Santa" wakes up and painstakingly re-tapes half of the trees, because PaperSource lies.
2011 also happened to be the first time we bought a full-sized, freshly-cut tree. Our old ornaments were misplaced in the move, and because they always trimmed a small table-top fake, they were probably too diminutive for this year's tree anyway. Conveniently, the advent calendar has been a good way to populate our bare fir. I've loved picking out meaningful ornaments:
The advent gifts aren't necessarily ornaments, though. Sometimes, the present of the day is a few sea-salt caramels or macarons (counterproductive to our supposed diet). Once, it was a batch of Shawn's favorite homemade sugar cookies. As Christmas approaches, I have a few experiences up my sleeve: yesterday, it was a note saying we'd be meeting after work for a hot cocktail. Not wanting to scoop myself, I won't mention what I have in store for the remaining 11 days, but as you can imagine, Christmas in NYC affords us plenty of options!
14 comments:
You need to talk to Frank. He is no Christmas fan, and I'm just like Shawn. Teach him your ways.
This is such a fun idea. I'm incredibly impressed that you put together 24 different little gifts/treats/activities. What a fun way to celebrate the season!
Also, love your whale ornament. Reminds me of GALORE, which I loved. Thanks again for the rec!
That last little guy is on my tree, too. Love him!
I am like Shawn! I loooooove Xmas! So looking at those beautiful surprises you're giving him, I can imagine how much he must have liked your idea of the advent calendar :)! Congrats!
I never knew about advent calendars until I became an adult, but I've been toying with the idea of doing them once my kids get a little older. I'm very impressed with your initiative, I must say!
Words cannot express how tickled I am every morning to see what "Santa" has left me. Santa is VERY good to me!
post pics of your cute advent calendar. My mom made one for Julian out of felt last year, and it's been a highlight for him this holiday season.
Where'd you get that Diet Coke ornament? My wife would love it.
I've been (not so) secretly hoping Eric would do this for me for years. Lucky Shawn!
What a fun project! I love the ornaments too. You and Shawn are such a sweet couple!
This is very sweet. Mrs K is a huge fan of Christmas and every year I plan to make her an advent calendar. The deadline always ends up creeping up on me though, next year for sure.
What a fun twist on the advent calender. Shawn is one lucky guy. I hope one of the "experiences" involves cheese and that you photo document that (I'm hungry).
So lovely and sweet!
Awwwww, how sweet and fun! I wish you were my wife! :)
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