I’m not sure why, but lately, advent calendars have been popping up wherever I look. Growing up, I remember the ones with chocolate. I think my brother and I had to share one. This meant he got the chocolate on the odd days, and I got it on the even days. I’ll be honest, sharing the chocolate kind of spoiled the fun. But there is something about receiving a surprise gift each day.
I was browsing on Amazon in November and discovered a vast variety of advent calendars! (Who knew??? Did you? My local Walmart still only sells the chocolate one. They have upped their game to include a variety of more specialty chocolates.) While visiting Amazon, I bought a few calendars as gifts for others. My aunt, who loves to puzzle, loved hers and couldn’t wait for December 1st.
In my search on Amazon, I came across advent calendar books. I did not know this was a thing, but of course it is. So I added a few to my Kindle and am presently working through one. It’s a murder mystery, which is not my go-to genre. The story structure is very Agatha Christie, so probably not the best one for me to try. The blurb sounded interesting. And a Christmas mystery sounded like a perfect way to try out the whole advent-book experience. I confess that, due to being busy, I’ve just started chapter two, so I’m behind. The story, however, is off to a great start and is not disappointing.
True advent books are meant to have ‘locked’ chapters that open each day. If it’s a physical book, I believe the chapters are wrapped, like an envelope, and open daily.
Anyway, I love the game idea attached to a book. What are your thoughts? Have you tried advent calendar books? Or a non-chocolate advent calendar? If you have, I loved to hear your thoughts and experience.
K. M. Wray 