here's one...

Our daily advent traditions change from year to year... sometimes something sticks for a couple of years, other times we just do something different.  But the one thing we do have each year, alongside whatever else we do to countdown to Christmas, is the kids each have their own simple lift the flap, cardboard and chocolates calendars. 

It always brings a smile to my face to see the simple excitement a hidden paper flap and a molded piece of chocolate can bring each and every morning.  Looking for the day's number... guessing what shape the chocolate might be... carefully opening the door... gently popping out the chocolate (and deciphering the shape!), comparing to their siblings, and then popping it in their mouths.

This morning I was sitting near Sawyer when he opened #3 and found a four-leaf clovered shape and read the bible verse behind it... "And coming to her he said, "Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you."Luke 1:28

And as he sucked on his chocolate for a moment he was thinking aloud to me...
"The first day was a candle...  Yesterday was a lamb... Does favored mean lucky? Because todays was a four-leaf clover. I can't wait to see what's behind #24!!  I wonder what it is?  It could be a cross.  Or it could be a santa.  Or (eyes lighting up with his brilliant idea!) a present!  Because Jesus is like our present!! Or maybe a Christmas tree.  You know what? The possibilities are endless!"

:)