Countdown to Christmas
Traditional Advent Calendars

I enjoy travelling far more than actually arriving at my destination. And so, for as long as I remember, I've enjoyed the countdown to Christmas much more than the actual event.

Our advent calendar was the most wonderful golden pop-up castle and we never grew tired of putting it away carefully with the other Christmas decorations and resurrecting it equally carefully the following year.

I still believe advent calendars are magic, illustrating the countdown to Christmas more vividly than any other measure or ritual.

And - though I'm an unashamed chocoholic - I still love the traditional kind. Wooden advent calendars, fabric advent calendars or even cardboard pop-ups like our castle that are enjoyed for years and become part of our family's Christmas traditions.

Here are some that I would have loved to have as a child:

Gingerbread House Advent Calendar

Wooden and colourful, this traditional advent calendar pushes my buttons this year.

Kids of all ages love Christmas and kids of all ages love gingerbread (and stories)... so this one meets the needs perfectly.

Bethlehem Advent Stable

This is a gloriously Christmassy piece - a mix of advent calendar and Christmas decoration.

And since it's wood, you can bring it out and enjoy it over and over again year after year.

Wooden Advent Train

I cannot imagine any child not loving this wonderful wooden train! After all, when there's not enough snow around - and England does have problems with that around Christmas time - Santa needs to get the presents to their intended addresses, sleigh or no sleigh.

Wooden Nativity Advent Calendar

Nativity scenes are at the heart of a traditional Christmas celebration. So it seems only fitting that - as decoration on an advent calendar - they should also be part of the countdown.

Christmas Story Advent Wall Hanging

This advent calendar will make the countdown to Christmas an adventure for your little ones. It's sturdily made, so even small hands can play and will delight children year after year. You can even fill the pockets with additional treats...

Snowman Advent Calendar

Here's yet another wooden advent calendar that I like very much. This one has not just a cheery snowman and plenty of space for treats, but each little drawer holds a tree ornament, too - so it doubles up as part of your Christmas decorations!

Advent calendars teach us to expect magical things of the times ahead ... I wish they were around for the rest of the year, too.