When I Was Growing Up…

…the most common table decoration during the Christmas season was fir tree boughs and scattered around them were nuts, Mandarin oranges, apples, chocolates and candies. It was always a very popular decoration among children because there was lots to nosh.

Shown here is an updated version of it. All elements are arranged in groups which makes it look much less messy and disorganized. I also added Christmas tree candles and straw stars.

This lovely table decor also lends itself well for a Saint Nicholas celebration.

Growing up in Switzerland also meant that we started the day with a cup of hot Ovomaltine (Ovaltine). As kids my brothers and I also always had our own Advent calendar. We each had an Ovomaltine calendar. Ovomaltine is sold in round tins. In November the tins were wrapped with a beautiful Advent calendar. It was made of paper with 24 windows, one to be opened every day until Christmas Eve. Of course we opened the windows the minute we received the calendars the morning of December 1st, and push them shut again. These calendars were not fancy, and still they were very much part of our Advent ritual.

These days the selection of available Advent calendars is just amazing! There’s one for every person. People also create their own with great dedication and care. Me being one of these people. I still create at least one per year.

The other day I went to check out the Christmas items at the Vancouver Art Gallery. It’s always very inspiring to see their artsy selection of Christmas related goods. The above Advent Book totally caught my attention because of the cover illustration by Kati Hickey. Order the book.

Every day of December brings a delightful new Christmas tradition in this keepsake advent book. Each flap on the cover of the book reveals a clue to a festive activity that can be found inside the pages. It might be a recipe for a delicious homemade treat, instructions for a cozy craft, a game to play, a carol to sing, or a beautifully illustrated story to read with the whole family. This inviting twist on the traditional advent calendar is perfect for families who love to put their own spin on celebrating the holidays.

2010/2020