prelude to christmas day

Growing up, my brother and I had an advent calendar. A big christmas tree hung on the wall that my mum had made for us from green material with red and gold numbered pockets of different textures. And of course, i big gold star pocket on top for the last day.

We would split the numbers, one person got odds, the other evens and we'd switch every year (to determine who got the gold star.)

When we were small, a sweet would be waiting in the pockets, but as we got older (and more mischevious, unable not to peak) things got a little more interesting. Each morning we would find a piece of paper sticking out of our pocket, on which would be written a clue. We had until the end of the day (often with some help) to decifer the clue to find a gift hidden somewhere in our house. The were never big, just silly things that my parents had found for us (and a couple of sweets thrown in for good measure) but it was always a lot of fun and was probably the part of Christmas we looked forward to the most. (especially when you figured out the other person's clue before them...)

So when i left for uni i presumed this would end (since i wasn't in the house to find things anymore) but my brother was scandalised and so next i knew i had a pile of pre-parceled, numbered, wee gifts, this time with clues relating to what was inside. When my brother left, the same happened to him (to the cheerful amusement of both our flatmates, and since it had always been a bit of a group game, mine were generally roped into the whole thing with me.)

So when i left for new york i presumed this would end (since i'm not in the country anymore) but (and i can't blame my brother this time) about a month ago a parcel arrived for me, inside which was a load of odd numbered, pre-clued little parcels and a note with instructions. It was a lovely little reminder of family and friends and most of the gifts or clues were fairly personal (not in a sappy way, my parents don't really do schmultz, more like references to black adder quotes i used to use too much, or three marshmallows (a little stale) my dad had wrapped in cling film to go with some individual hot chocolate) it was lovely.

Today I opened my last parcel and it was awesome! New Scientist magazine and marks and spencers knickers! neither of which there's really an american substitute for, and both of which i love.

I'm guessing this year will probably be the last for the calendar (although i have been wrong about that a few times before) but it's a tradition that has served us well, and i'll be glad to pass on if i ever have kids.