It’s Christmas… well almost. The carol CDs have been dusted off and the shops are filled with Christmas cheer. But why is it always the children who get to countdown to Christmas?
Why not have a think about getting yourself an advent calendar this year (or leave not so subtle hints around so that someone else might get one for you). Chocolate, after all is universal and there is no age limit on enjoying the countdown to Christmas. Once you reach a certain age no one can say anything to you for having chocolate before breakfast, or even a stealthy opening of tomorrows door to have a peak (although this is ill advised as it ruins the fun and means you will be lacking chocolate for the following morning). Adults can enjoy advent with chocolate just as much as children and many chocolate manufacturers realise this. Many luxury chocolate companies offer upper class calendars designed for adults. These double up as a great gift for a loved one before Christmas.
If you don’t fancy the extra calories, even during the countdown to Christmas, think about getting a calendar that will offer you pretty pictures or non-chocolate surprises, or even better, hint at someone else to fill one for you. The basis to an advent calendar can be found in many craft stores or on the internet.
If a calendar does not excite you, how about you light an advent candle every night for the run-up to the big day? These are guaranteed to gently light up your room giving it a nice atmosphere in which you can sit wrapping gifts and drinking mulled wine or eggnog. Why don’t you compliment it with a candle that offers the aroma of a Christmas scent? This will add to the atmosphere of your living room even more. Although be warned, you might find productivity on the wrapping presents front a little diminished.
Candles can come in many shapes, sizes and colour and tend to make celebrating advent a little more grown up although I am sure children will love watching it slowly burn too. You can find them in many shops in the lead up to Christmas.