Counting Down The Days

It’s almost that time! Thanksgiving is this week, and the holiday season is just around the corner. The stores are filled with twinkling lights and glittery gifts. The air is getting crisp and cool. People are starting to feel a little more joyful. Let the countdown to Christmas begin!

I love making the anticipation a little more exciting with an advent calendar… or a few. Brands have become more and more creative with their marketing over the last decade. Gone are the days of cardboard calendars with little pictures inside, or tiny pieces of waxy chocolate… though those still exist, if that’s your thing. In 2023, advent calendars exist for every interest in the world, at just about every price point. I had to stop myself at four this year… I can’t be COMPLETELY ridiculous. Here’s how I am counting down the days till Christmas…

Snagvent Calendar (Snag Tights) ($85): Snag Tights are the absolute, most amazing tights I have ever worn on my body. They are thoughtfully crafted with all body types in mind and stay in place all day. (See my previous post about my love of all things Snag.) This year Snag offered an advent calendar that includes twelve current pairs of tights, packaged in a cute organizer to store them. I wear these tights so often in was definitely worth the surprise gamble.

P.S. I MIGHT have already taken a peek at the contents… because I needed to see if there were pairs to wear NOW. I am in love with almost every single one. There are a few that will be fun for a spirit day at school… and one that is way too naughty for my taste. Plus, there’s a bonus pair of fishnet gloves to keep for a spirit day, or gift to a friend with a rock and roll soul.

The Ultimate Advent of Change (The Body Shop) ($195): This body and beauty calendar is sturdy, solid, and heavy! It is packaged in a fun pop-up box that will make a great display in the house. The box contains 25 full-sized signature products to pamper yourself throughout the holiday season. Plus, the products are sourced through the Body Shop’s Community Fair Trade program, so you can feel good about what’s inside. They source the products and packaging from producers, farmers and artisans across the world at a fair price. You can be ethical and beautiful, and that’s worth celebrating. (Bonus: I cashed in a bunch of Ulta Beauty points when purchasing the calendar, so it only cost me $25!)

Tea Advent Calendar (Bird & Blend Tea Co.). ($47 USD): I love winding down each night with a cup of tea by the tree. Each year, I find a tea advent calendar that will give me a nice cuppa, and one to share. This year, I selected the Bird & Blend calendar from England. The box is bright, festive, and completely recyclable, with two bags per day to try. If I fall in love with a flavor, I can go online and purchase more for after Christmas. The company also offers an online spot to store your daily tasting notes and talk to other tea lovers.

Tony’s Countdown Calendar (Tony’s Chocolonely) ($24.99): I have fallen in love with the taste of Tony’s Chocolonely… especially the salted caramel. This chocolate is ethically sourced and SO creamy. The packaging has a fun retro vibe to it that makes me think it came from Wonka’s factory… without the Oompa Loompas, because that is NOT ethical. There are 10 delicious flavors, including a couple exclusive to the calendar. I will pair it with my tea each night for a special treat.

I am excited to start opening the little doors… but not TOO excited. I love the holiday season and want to savor it as long as possible. The anticipation is one of the best parts! What advent calendars are you trying this Christmas?