Friday, December 2, 2011

Opening Doors

When the kids have all grown up and left the nest, things change.  To me, Christmas is when it is most noticeable.  It's not a sad change for me but sometimes, just sometimes, it would be nice to bring back those times.


One of the Christmas traditions at our house was the Advent calendars.  These would be - usually - gifts to the younger kids with little doors that they could open each day.  All that was inside was a small picture but it seemed to be enough to keep them waiting for the next day's offering.


When I first learned to quilt, I made a pieced tree that we hung an ornament on each day.  This photo isn't it - it sort of looked like this.  But I don't seem to have any photos and it's not around any more.  I'm pretty sure it went to one of the kids.  In any case, we don't put one up because, well, we're not kids, are we?


The other day, as the first of December approached, I was thinking about those calendars and I just had a wish that I could have some kids around so I could have a calendar.  One of those fleeting thoughts that doesn't usually take up residence.  This one seemed to have very strong vibes to send out into the universe. 


Because shortly after I was thinking about an Advent calendar an email pops into my inbox that a good friend has sent me a Advent e-calendar.  I jumped right into action and clicked and installed.  Then I had to wait.  I was worse than my kids ever were for impatience.  Then, right on schedule the first door was unlocked.  And, each day I look forward to adding another bit of fun to my village.  Wasn't it wonderful that my fleeting thought got all the way to my friend?  Thank you, Penny, for reading my mind.


Then, on the first day of December, another gift arrived.  Cindy began an A-Z of Christmas in her blog.  Each day, she blogs about Christmas memories, crafts and recipes that make her Christmas season special.  It's like opening a little door, too - and finding the treat inside.  Thanks to both of you for letting me feel like a kid again. 

9 comments:

Ginny Hartzler said...

I feel the same way! I have been looking and wanting, then my friend sent me the same calendar!! Did you see the jigsaw puzzle it has?? You can choose how many pieces, and do it over and over. And the tree decorating today was such fun!! It really is beautiful!

Penny McKinlay said...

You're most welcome. I'm enjoying my Advent calendars too.

Unknown said...

I love the advent calender that looked like yours! i'm not a kid, but I wouldn't hesitate putting an ornament each day on that one:):)

Sassafras and Winterberry said...

The surprise of this season can be so much fun. I miss that feeling too! Have a good time with the Advent Calendar!

Angie said...

I have the e-Advent Calendar but it is the London one. Don't remember any when I was growing up.

Tanna said...

Love all the advent calendars!! blessings ~ tanna

Rudee said...

Even though my kids are big now, I still put up an Advent calendar. This year it's new fellow--and he's kind of cute. I like the email calendar you received. It's pretty.

Karen Jones Gowen said...

The Advent calendar was a tradition my mom had in our home, and one that I continued each year. My children just loved it and fought over who would open the door. We had to set it up on an oldest to youngest basis. Or sometimes youngest to oldest. Those poor middle children!

Cindy said...

Thank you Stephanie for thinking of me and posting about my blog. Yes, things do change and I too look for that memory that brings back those times. This time of year is difficult for me and I try to do and surround myself with things to occupy that space. Blogging is it for me right now. I'm thinking I'll have to live up to each day now, just for you. On the not so well days, it might be a short blog :-)

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