It's advent-ure calendars season!

November is the month when you need to start thinking of getting the perfect advent calendar.

I may not be the typical example as gifting is some sort of an obsession to me, but I start planning and preparing for a gifting occasion two months ahead of the event. I wasn't always like that, but the pandemic delivery delays and stock shortages during the past couple of years taught me to plan ahead. So, I give myself a month to slowly gather my thoughts, pick up on any clues of what the receiver may like, look for inspiration online and in stores locally. The second month, or the month prior to the occasion is when I need to take action. More often than not, I pick a "unicorn" kind of gift that comes from a land far far away, crafted by hand, made of dreams and puppy farts.

If you are anything like me, or you would like me to help you source this kind of sorceries for your advent calendar, you may want to start acting now.

Here are three directions in which you can go to find the perfect advent calendar for you. Remember, advent calendars are here to build up the joy of Christmas, countdown to the main event, so keep them small or short and sweet.

1. Chocolate advent calendars - Ok, everyone loves chocolate, I won't fight you on this one. However, Christmas is a time when we all indulge in the food and drinks a bit more than usual, there are the office Christmas parties, visits to friends and family, beautiful festive spreads to be had. So, maybe, just maybe, you can reconsider the sugary treats in the advent calendar. If you have kids - this message is not for you. Of course you can have a chocolate advent calendar!

2. Beauty advent calendar - Now this is a healthy alternative to chocolate. Not only that you will save some calories for the Christmas roast (read toast) but you will look pampered, youthful and skinny! Many beauty brands have beautifully presented advent calendars that will make great gifts. However, the best and most sought after are usually sold out very fast. Hence my advice to act early and act fast in your decision making.

3. Custom advent calendars - This is where you can let your imagination run wild, or straight to www.inspirology.me . Up to you. But here are few ideas to get you going.

You can do this on your own, or make it a couple/family project.

If you are doing it on your own, take a minute to think of their favorite things, be it chocolate, beauty products, jewellery, hobbies that they may have, anything that makes you think of them and that you think will make them happy. Then go on a shopping spree to get an advent calendar bag, box or socks and fill them up! It won't hurt if you add a loving message with every little gift.

If you are doing this as a couple/family, I suggest you split the days to even and odd numbers and do the same in two's. Get an empty advent calendar box and fill up your half without peeking at the other half! Then take turns in opening a box each day to Christmas.

This is what we decided to do this year. I'm already on it, obviously, but I doubt my husband is anywhere near starting to think about it. Which is not such a bad thing either. He does get wonderful guilt redeeming gifts so if he's too late for it, may panic run to Tiffany's, who knows? :) If you are like my husband and wish to avoid that run, I'll say this once again, run to www.inspirology.me and help will be on the way.

Happy hunting everyone!

Warm Regards,

Inspirology