A Personalised Advent Calendar
Advent calendars have always held a special place in my heart.
I’ve always loved small gestures, the kind that take time, care and say “I’m thinking of you” without needing many words.
Out of all the love languages, I think this one might be mine: creating something simple, but made especially for someone.
Last year, I made personalised advent calendars for each member of my family.
I found pretty fill-your-own calendars at Søstrene Grene and then started searching for small surprises : a mini beauty product, a menthol balm, a Christmas ornament, a scratch card, a little handwritten memory, chocolates (of course)…
This year, I wanted something different.
I’m living farther away now, so I needed an idea that felt light, simple, but still personal.
And then the idea of letters came to me.
A small bundle of envelopes tied with a ribbon, sent through the post.
There’s something elegant, almost old-fashioned, about receiving a letter.
It doesn’t happen very often anymore and yet it always brings a little emotion.
Then came the big question: what would I write?
Last year I had already shared memories and a few “I love you’s”.
This time, I wanted something slightly different, something that would create a tiny moment, a small experience, almost like a new memory.
So I created themes for each household:
- soft and fun for my parents,
- fun and fun for my sisters and their kids,
- fun and slightly quirky for my brothers,
- cute and gentle for my aunt.
Here are a few examples of what I wrote for my parents:
Write three things you are proud of about one another.
Light a candle and watch the flame for one minute.
Put on a soft song and dance slowly together, even if you don’t know
how to dance…
(And that’s all I’ll reveal, their parcel still hasn’t arrived yet, ahah.)
I can’t wait for them to open these little letters.
I love the idea that they might become small memories one day, a bit like
the drawings we used to give our grandparents and would rediscover years
later in a box or a drawer.
Since I’m fully in my letter-writing era now, I’ll also be offering a small advent calendar giveaway on Instagram. Everyone will be able to take part, and you might receive a personalised letter if you’d like to join.
I hope this little story inspires you.
And I’d love to hear your own ideas, traditions, or thoughtful gestures for this soft and festive season ahead. ✨
