by Kristen Wile

Assorted Table Wine & Shop’s advent calendar. Photo courtesy

As much as I enjoy Thanksgiving, I can’t wait for the days of mistletoe and holly. In my mind is a constant countdown, ticking off the days until December 1.

I love the holiday season — the joy, the sharing, the decorations, the food and drink, the gatherings in celebration. This year, I’m especially excited to pass on a tradition I enjoyed as a child.

On December 1, my brothers and I would come racing down the steps to find three advent calendars hanging along the wall, hand-stitched with little bags attached to rings holding goodies for each day leading up to Christmas. This year, I’m looking forward to J.J. rushing out of bed each morning in anticipation of what his advent calendar will hold.

Advent calendars don’t have to be just for kids, however. Last year, I gathered bourbon samples from Jon’s friends to create a bourbon-a-day advent calendar for him. This year, local shops are making it easy for you to take part in that daily joy, too.

Artisan chocolatier JF Chocolat is offering advent calendars with a delicious chocolate — either white, milk, or dark — each day. If you’re a chocolate lover, trying Justin Fry’s creations is a must.

Assorted Table Wine & Shop is also selling its few remaining advent calendars in the days leading up to December 1. Not just wine, their “24 days of cheer” box includes beer, wine, sake, cider, and more in sizes up to 375 ml.

Cheers to the holiday season!

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