Day 24 . . . The Countdown Begins

Today is the first day of December. It is also the first Sunday of Advent. We lift the door on our Advent calendar and also light the first candle on our Advent Wreath.

Both traditions help us mark the passage of time toward a much anticipated event, and both remind us to reflect on the specialness of each day.

This week, the first purple candle on the Advent Wreath symbolizes Hope. What a great way to start our journey, with hope! Hope is the spark calling us to desire something more, something better.

And isn't that how we start most Decembers? We are hopeful this will be the best holiday season ever. We hope for good weather and beautiful shared family time. We hope everyone will get along and be happy. 

What are you hoping for this season? Jot down a few of your most heartfelt desires and wishes. Keep them close and use them as a guide throughout December. When things start getting crazy, pull out your list and center yourself on what matters most.

Just to make you smile, here are some unique ways people have found to countdown days till Christmas. 

1. LEGO® currently makes three different Advent Calendars. Each year a new edition is released featuring micro-builds, minifigurines, and other surprises behind the doors of a specially designed box. But buyer beware, they sell out quickly!

LEGO® City Advent Calendar

LEGO® Friends Advent Calendar

LEGO® Star Wars Advent Calendar 

2. The tech savvy can't be left out of the fun. Many Apps exist to mark off the time to the big event. Here are a couple free ones.

Nativity Advent 2013

by Ile Aux Fraises

Android users can build their own virtual Nativity Scene with a new character added each day.

Christmas Advent Calendar

by MagicSolver.com Ltd.

A special gift awaits IPhone and IPad users each day with fun, interactive activities.

3. This one is hard to believe. In 2010, Porsche released a very limited Advent Calendar (they made 5, one for every continent on which the German manufacturer does business). It stood nearly two metres and was made of brushed aluminum. Windows for each day opened upon touch and included such extravagant items as a Porsche Design P'6910 Indicator watch in rose gold, an individually customizable Porsche Design kitchen, a custom-made motor yacht, and sunglasses made of 18-carat gold. The price tag for this calendar . . . $1 million.

4. Finally, one company wants to make sure grownups don't feel left out of the nostalgia. Master of Malts makes a Whisky Advent Calendar. The Premium version rings in at a whopping $410!

Happy Counting!