Advent

Now, if you've been following this blog for a while, you'll know I'm not religious. I do however enjoy Christmas and the celebrations that occur at this time of year. It's a time to relax, enjoy each other's company, put a smile on people's faces by cooking them nice food and giving them presents, and of course have some good old family time. I'm aware that advent actually started a few days ago, but in the Petit Filoux household, this year's advent calendar is truly a countdown to Christmas. A countdown to good times to be had. So yes, it's only got 24 boxes, 24 cute little boxes to open each day until Christmas day. I am so excited it's ridiculous!

Last year, I found this great template for a homemade advent calendar and it was perfect. This year, I wanted something slightly different, but working on the same idea. So off I went and printed blank versions of those little pyramids, on A3 paper instead of A4 this time though. This gave me larger boxes so I could fit whatever chocolate I wanted inside! Because yes yes yes, we're getting a little something sweet each day until Christmas. No, it's not all about the chocolate, but you know what, it helps, and I know for sure it'll put a smile on our faces!

Chocolate's not the only thing that we put in this year's advent calendar though. A lot, lot more has gone into it. A lot more thought and attention, a whole lot of love really. Confused? Let me explain. I thought it would be a lovely idea for both of us to write down things we love about each other, things that make us laugh about each other, reasons why we love each other. Nothing cheesy, just a daily reminder of what it's all about. It's so easy to get bogged down in the daily humdrum, I thought this would be lovely. To open a little paper each day that would put a smile on our faces, I can't think of a better way to start the day.

So, after printing enough boxes, cutting them out, painting numbers, sticking on bits of twine for hanging, adding decorations with glitter pens and closing them up, the most important bit of all: the putting up of the advent calendar. With a little help from my little Christmas elf, it went up, slowly but surely, on the book shelf in the living room.

Happy December one day late everyone!