I have never been more excited for December to start. Each year we do various advent calendar (usually Lego) and thought this year we would spice it up with a Funko Pop Harry Potter Advent Calendar. But I still felt like something was missing. Then, one of my favorite local independent bookstores posted something on their IG feed. I was hooked. I just had to do it. And only two more sleeps before it begins!
We decided to go out on a limb and have Madison Street Books select 24 books, wrap them and number them for us to enjoy over the next month. Our own advent book calendar countdown to Christmas! Selecting the books was not a small task. We have 5 people in the house, ranging from two 40-something parents, a freshman in college, junior in high school, and a 7th grader.
How are the books selected?!?
Thankfully this part was super easy. They asked a few quick questions, such as what books we liked and types we wanted to avoid. I gave a few requests and went from there. Once done, they sent a list over and just LOVED most all the selections! Some books we actually had, some were a big heavy for the 7th grader, and didn’t want this to feel like an extended homework night opening each book! After sending back a handful of suggestions, I had the 24 books selected and all I had to do was wait until they were wrapped and ready for pick up!
The plan is to have everyone read each book. Since it’s our first book advent calendar, I am hopeful that all will be “keepers” and write little notes into each book. Right now, I am just excited that they are all excited!
Is it too late for this year?
It’s not too late to do this yourself ! Reach out to your local bookstores, see if they can help select, and maybe even wrap the 24 books. Or maybe start your order on Cyber Monday for curbside pick up. Wrap with plain brown paper, or even foil if you are a time cruchIf you’re too indecisive, maybe ask to start with four and gather the rest this weekend?!? You can always add more books to your pile next weekend!
Follow along!!
More hopeful this will turn into a yearly tradition (along with the Lego Advent Calendars or Funko Pops) and that our book selection grows as we all grow! Make sure you follow along on INSTAGRAM for daily pics and stories on the books we receive! So excited – only two more sleeps!
What an absolutely great idea! I have a granddaughter who is an avid reader (and I like to have them all read and receive books) but this is a great way to incorporate Advent into their reading with a treat for every day. I like how you have suggested reaching out to book stores, etc. Great idea Thanks.
I love this idea! It’s such a great way to keep kiddos excited about reading and celebrate the count down to Christmas, too.
I love this idea!
This sounds like it would be a lovely tradition.
I love this idea! A great way to share special times together and keep the excitement of the holidays for the whole family!
Such a great idea. Great way to explore new books and reminisce in some old favorites.
I love this idea! So much better than just a bunch of stale chocolates!
I love this idea! It is so fun!
I absolutely love this idea! Especially since the kids inevitably get a bunch of travel books from me anyway!
What a unique & fun idea!
I’m really interested in knowing what books you chose. (I know you don’t want to ruin the surprise by listing here.) My kids are all teen/young adults, too, and I really thought they were too old to do a book advent, just because I thought the books needed to be short (like children’s books) to get 24 of them in before Christmas.
They are a mix of everything! I think there are even 1-2 children books, some infographic books, a lot of chapter/novel books and the goal is to read over December and January! Follow my Instagram as I’ll post each book each night!
Great idea!
Love the idea of a book advent calendar. Clever
What an amazing idea! I love giving books!
So cool! Every year, I intend to do an Advent calendar with my kids, but always seem to be late to the party.
This is such a fun idea! I’d enjoy it too, even though my kids are grown and have families of their own.