When I was little, I loved this little wooden house that was put out on top of the television stand or somewhere high. It had tiny Christmas things in it. I wonder where that thing is now. It was fun to look at and admire. I don't recall ever having an Advent calendar in our home but I do remember my mother doing fun stuff with us. When Hailey was old enough to understand things more, I wanted an Advent calendar to mark down the days until Christmas. I saw these beautiful wooden ones that had doors you could open but I never could bring myself to buying one. Then my mother-in-law gave me this sweet hanging calendar. Hailey remembers how fun it was to do it last year. I gave mine a little twist and simple notes or items are left each night from the elves. The elves watch over them during the day to make sure they have been good for Santa. One day, they weren't so good and the elf didn't come! Hailey has blocked this from her memory apparently because she remembers all too well the ONE night the elves couldn't come because mommy stayed up too late and the pocket was empty - but actually the elf just forgot! It is fun for me watching how excited Hailey gets and seeing her head straight for the calendar when she is barley awake in the morning and Hunter saying "The elf gave this to me!".