When I was a child, I recall that among the Christmas decorations, there was an advent calendar that came out every year. I loved it. Not only did I look forward to Christmas, but I remembered all the happy Christmases that had gone before….

The best advent calendars don't have chocolates in them.
The cardboard nativity scene with pictures behind
each door,
kept year on year,
was the best herald of Christmas.

First the angel, then a lamb,
a red stocking...
Anticipation mounting as the next is remembered -
oh yes, the bell!
Not long now...

At last the star -
try to sleep now -
can you hear footsteps yet?

In the morning no door as the waiting is over
and a sock of my father's, 
borrowed,
is stretched full with gifts for me.
Tiny wooden houses in a mesh bag,
like fruit comes in but smaller
and chocolate coins a-plenty.