advent santa

Growing up, one of my favorite Christmas traditions was our "Advent Santa."  I don't recall exactly when he was first introduced, but he's been a part of my Christmas for as long as I can remember.  This is no ordinary Advent calendar...no flimsy paper picture with mediocre chocolates hidden behind windows that are always too hard to open.  No, Advent Santa is a big, bright, friendly Santa with 24 pockets for holding goodies and treasures aplenty.  Of course the gifts have changed over the years, but even after I grew up and left home, my Mom always made sure I had Advent Santa by December 1, and he was always full of creative and wonderful surprises.  Of course it's really MOM who makes Advent Santa so special.

So, needless to say, I was excited when Gage was born and I became the giver, rather than the receiver, of Advent Santa's joys.  (Of course Mom bought me a new, more "adult" Advent calendar that she still fills for me, usually with money.  Isn't she the best??)  Of course for the first couple of years Gage couldn't really appreciate Advent Santa, but this year he has been loving it!  We have the candy/cars/Star Wars theme going on, so every day is a thrill for him.

I've also learned that Advent Santa is quite a teacher, dispensing lessons on patience, gratitude, and self-control along with his treasures.  It takes a lot of discipline for a three year old to only open one pocket each day, save the candy until after dinner, and accept that every day will bring something different.

Oh, Advent Santa, you are certainly full of surprises.