Listen to Lena

Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion

holiday traditions

The Scents of Happiness: Holiday Memories

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Last year, I spent a little too much time trying to get things just right.

“How long are you going to spend on that mantle?” my husband asked.
“Until it is right,” I replied tersely.
“What does that mean?”
DSC_0241 (1)To tell the truth, even I wasn’t sure. But growing up, my mom’s Christmas decorations were always perfect, year after year. I marvel at the way she was consistently able to recreate the same holiday feel; shiny foil buntings, hanging from the entranceway. A tree expertly trimmed with tinsel and decorated with ornaments. Lights and streamers adorning every available surface. The scent of clean floors and crisp white linen. …

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Holiday Traditions. With Chocolate.

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It’s a sweet childhood memory that I’ll relive time and time again.

I was in first grade at a small Catholic elementary school. The holidays were coming; multicoloured decor was proudly displayed in Simpsons’ store window, the soft echo of Christmas carols could be heard throughout my home, and whispers of Santa Claus and his magical reindeer were upon our lips and in our hearts.

And on December 1st, my teacher distributed a thick cardboard calendar to each and every student. Curiously, we turned it around and traced our fingers over the cutouts.

“This is an Advent Calendar,” she explained. “And every day, we’ll celebrate the coming of Jesus; I’ll share a small story from the Bible, and you’ll be able to treat yourself with a small piece of chocolate, for being such good boys and girls.”

I loved that Advent Calendar.

It marked the first ritual for me; the first time I followed something through from start to finish, while understanding the significance of the season (and even a veiled warning to behave). This year, I’m continuing the tradition with Kinder Advent Calendars.
KinderSurprise-Product-Lifestyle-4281Available at Walmart Canada for $12.00, the Kinder Advent Calendar features a variety of eggs and mini chocolates, making each daily treat a surprise for your little elves. Included in the calendar:

1 Kinder Surprise
9 Kinder Mini Eggs
9 Kinder Schoko-Bons
2 Kinder Hollow Santas
3 Kinder Chocolates

I’ve selected my favourite Christmas-themed Bible scriptures and just like my first grade teacher, I’ll be reading them to Ryder and Reid every day. And then, if they’ve been good boys, they’ll be allowed to partake in a daily Kinder treat. …

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