Deep in the northern darkness tiny candles glow, urging us to be our best and bravest selves. Tonight is the first night of Chanukah, and the first night of Advent. I have two little presents for you. You may choose either . . . or both!
The Giant Draft Protector is pulled back to let the menorah shine through the window. It’s snowing gently outside. In here it’s cozy. All the fur children are dozing peacefully, glad I’m back home. It’s good to be missed. To choose a Chanukah treat, click here.
Birgitte sent me an entire sheet of these “Julemærke” featuring the mischievous Nisser. She explained that the seals are a Danish tradition going back to 1903, when they were sold to raise funds for poor and sick children. Nowadays they support centers where children with weight problems learn how to get in shape. The designs change every year, and knowing my fondness for Nisser, Birgitte felt I should have some. I believe these two are waiting for me to read them a story. If you want to peek behind the first little door on your Advent calendar, click here.
Torch Lake Views 
Fee
December 2, 2010
May you have a happy, peaceful, and above all, warm, Chanukah/Advent. One of my neighbours put their Christmas tree up yesterday, which occasioned much harrumphing from those of us on snow-clearing duties.
Gerry
December 2, 2010
Thank you, Fee. We are working on the warm part, indeed we are. My sister put up her tree while I was visiting in North Carolina, but we got only so far as the tree and the lights. It was late and she couldn’t find the little hanger thingies. I was astonished at how many people had their whole houses decorated for Christmas by the end of the Thanksgiving weekend–and had been shopping, too. We, um, went to the Botanical Gardens.
Anna
December 2, 2010
My, sounds very enclosed in the warmth and candlelight while snowing outside. How cute the “Julemaerke” !
Gerry
December 2, 2010
It is fairly cozy. We could use a few more Giant Draft Protectors around here. Maybe the Nisser will make some while we sleep.
Preston
December 2, 2010
The Swedish Pancake looks pretty good.
Gerry
December 2, 2010
It is, Preston, I promise.
Kathy
December 2, 2010
I chose the Advent Calendar–the first door–because it brought back warm memories of opening the little calendar every day with the kids when they were little. Oh, that was so fun. Some Advent Calendars were more intriguing or fun than others. Thanks for the memories, Ms. Gerry!
Gerry
December 2, 2010
You are entirely welcome Kathy. It turns out that it’s easier to find real tiny treats than virtual ones. Who knew???
Carsten
December 3, 2010
My choice must be the Advent Calendar! Or the Swedish Pancake? It might also be the julemærke, but no the other hand: Not the julemærke. I hope to get quite a few of them on Christmas-cards sent from family and friends. Some of them I see much too seldom.
Happy Advent Gerry.
Gerry
December 3, 2010
Thank you Carsten. I wish the same for you. And I hope you are able to see many, many dear ones this December. Now I’m going to go edit the post so it says julemærke as is proper.
Cindy Lou
December 3, 2010
What about the chocolate Advent calendars? All the fun of the little doors with a piece of chocolate as a bonus! That was my favorite kind 🙂
Gerry
December 3, 2010
They were very good indeed. My favorite one, though, had little compartments to be filled with surprises: charms, figurines, jokes, beads. I love that stuff.