Advent calendars

I love the old fashioned ones with pictures, Witzend.

I've got a lovely one of an old fashioned toy shop.

Two baubles was the first picture!

I’m doing the reverse advent calendar too in conjunction with the church. I think ours will be donated after Christmas to get those who need it through the new year.

Yes, mine is an old fashioned one with pictures - religious pictures! ( As I said upthread). No chocolate, no cosmetics, etc, just pictures, and pictures related to the Nativity - the coming of Jesus.

I had an M&S advent calendar in 2016 which was in the shape of a Christmas tree. This year my daughter has taken the carcass and refilled the boxes for me! Day 1 was a miniature bottle of handmade flavoured gin! Day 2 a sample tube of handcream. Shall really look forward to seeing the surprises she has for me in the other boxes.

thats a good idea. i hate chocolate advent calenders again too much sweet stuff. gc like my advent calendar its got pictures in it....

I bought my advent calendar from a charity this year. A GN poster said about it. You pay a bit more for it and then everyday you get to see which charity has had a donaton from you on that day.

Bought GS and son ones from Battersea Dogs Home. So cute.

The ladies of both churches in our village organise advent windows. One house decorates their window however they like and anyone can come at 6pm for a little peace and quiet. A story is read, some favourite advent songs are sung, and a prayer and/or a few moments silence are usually involved.

Originally no food or drink was supposed to be offered but some people do now serve mulled wine and biscuits.

This is becoming quite common now here in Germany. Town Halls have also started it - many of them seem to have 24windows! One more window is lit up each day.

As Carol singing is not a "thing' here, it still seems that people look for a reason to go out on the street of an evening in the run-up to Christmas.

I have done some windows myself in the past but won't be this year as I am away for most of December.

I've got a picture one from the Alzheimer's Society and also got the children a card Christmas tree that stands up on it's own.

The residents of the streets when DD1 lives have advent windows. The residents are allocated a number, decorate their window and then light it on the allotted day and every day till Christmas. Dd lives in terror of being given number 24!