I love Advent Calendars and have posted about some fun ones I had in the past, like these cheese ones (here and here) and this Avengers one (here).
But this year, I'm doing something different with the tradition --
I first read about Reverse Advent Calendars on the internet a few years ago. I thought it was a very cool idea -- an appropriate way to switch up ye olde countdown tradition from "receiving mode" to "giving mode" instead.
So this year, I'm finally getting around to doing a Reverse Advent Calendar myself. Every day from December 1st to 25th, I'll put aside a non-perishable food item and then, after Christmas, donate them all to the Edmonton Food Bank.
Here's my Reverse Advent Calendar setup --
As you can see, it has a festive theme! The great Xmas gnome tote bag given to me by blogging buddy Shirley sits atop the cute honeybee-gnome tea towel which was a gift from another blogging buddy, Ol'Buzzard and his lovely wife. My gay Yuletide gnomes, Fearsome the Fierce and Hengist the Hairy, are supervising the whole operation. Their baby, Wulfbane the Wee, is tasked with changing the daily date on the Christmassy perpetual calendar beside him.
So, in addition to benefitting a worthy charity, every gnome residing with me now has a special seasonal job to do and will be kept out of mischief for the entire month of December! BONUS!
What a wonderful idea!!!!! I may take this and do it at work!!!!!!!! Our community does a lot with community outreach.
ReplyDeleteI myself do a gin Advent calendar. I try a different gin each day to Christmas. It ensures I'll be Merry and Bright...Ho Ho Ho!
Great idea and as always you make it such elaborate FUN!
ReplyDeleteYou hope they’ll stay out of mischief! We’ll see!
ReplyDeleteWhat a super idea - I hope your gnomes will dispatch their duties with diligence and joy.
ReplyDeleteThere is a community refrigerator we will support this month. There are a lot of people in need!
ReplyDeleteThe reverse advent calendar is such a good idea. Also I love the gnomes.
ReplyDelete-Quinley
This is brilliant. I’m going do the same! (As opposed to buying a L'Occitane en Provence advent calendar filled with beauty products for €199.)
ReplyDeletewhat a great idea..I'd do it but since I'm feeding 75+ people in two different parties I think I will be forgiven for not partaking in this..if I get out tomorrow(supposed to rain ) I will send you package..there are a few books of mine I thought you would enjoy tossed in too.
ReplyDeleteIt's December, so wishing you a happy month.
ReplyDeleteLove the calendar set up and idea of reversing from getting to giving.
ReplyDeleteOMG love this!
ReplyDeleteStarting one for my local library, that has a little free food pantry!
Also, gay gnomes? I need two.
XOXO
@ Sixpence Notthewiser -- Yes, Fearsome and Hengist are gnomosexuals.
ReplyDeleteI love this idea! Turn it upside down! I give to the food bank all year, but this is a sweet way to increase donations. Love it.
ReplyDeleteI love the idea and will start my own for our local food bank.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a fantastic idea. And your advent area is very festive. Lots of gnomes looking after the whole operation
ReplyDeleteGreat idea!
ReplyDeleteI never had one
ReplyDeleteI have my own charity and it is the time of the year to donate. Such a festive theme here. It is so positive to see your post giving that vibe too
ReplyDeleteI wonder if anyone else here has thought this was a good idea? OH WAIT! EVERYONE! Me too!
ReplyDeleteIf you added a swear jar for Advent you could probably double your contribution to the food bank.
ReplyDeleteLove the giving side. Very fun. Also, really into gnomes. They're so fun!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE this idea! That is awesome.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy this good season with a thicker coat.
ReplyDeleteLovely idea
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic idea! I'm pretty certain I'll copycat you..
ReplyDeleteI LOVE this idea. Go you!!!!
ReplyDeleteSassybear
https://idleeyesandadormy.com/
I think our house needs Yuletide gnomes.
ReplyDeleteVery good idea.
ReplyDeleteDeb, this is such a good, giving idea. I love it.
ReplyDeleteYour unique Gnomes are so cute, and your display brought a smile to my face.
What a wonderful and generous idea, Debra! And your gnomes are adorable!
ReplyDeleteI hadn't heard of this before! How cool!
ReplyDeleteA creative Advent calendar, I would expect no less from you. We so enjoy you blog and read every one, even when we don't comment.
ReplyDeletethe Ol'Buzzard
Over the years I had an advent calendar of bottles of hot sauce and one of whiskies.
ReplyDeleteI am enjoying an online version friends send me each year, the dears.
Came here from Ol' Buzzard's blog. Missed so many good posts and am glad I am catching a few of them.
ReplyDeleteI told my sister never to buy a Jehovah's Witness advent calendar as every time you open a window there is a person telling you to get lost. She replied that she didn't think there was much future in advent calendars, that their days were numbered.