November has been and gone making way for December.
We've had fun this month with big family birthdays. My dad turned sixty. We've had family days out enjoying the crisp, frosty days lit with watery winter sunshine. We've been baking, cooking, crafting and generally doing our best to stay cosy and warm.
But December begins tomorrow and brings with it the excitement of Advent and the run up to Christmas. It seems like the right time to get properly festive.
We have a tradition for Advent. Each day of Advent 'Mrs Christmas' leaves a little treat in her pocket for the wee ones. Sometimes sweets, sometimes a tiny little toy or handmade gift and other days a handwritten promise of fun for that day. Maybe Christmas crafting, the annual visit to Santa, a winter walk. You get the idea.
The little ones love the excitement of rushing downstairs to see what's in her pocket each day. It doesn't need to be much. It's a great way for them to countdown to Christmas day.
Do you have advent traditions?
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Our advent calender is by Gisela Graham, bought a few years ago. We named her ourselves. 'Mrs Christmas' is not her official title.
Apologies for the atrocious photos. It is dismal here today, dark, grey and wet. Bring back the frost and bright skies.