A Woodland Christmas Advent Calendar Calendar – Advent Calendar, September 1, 2009

First things first: 1.) There is no chocolate in this calendar. For some this is a drawback; I actively dislike Advent calendars that contain chocolate as I feel they contribute to the increasing commercialization of Christmas. 2.) This particular calendar ends with a larger door that contains a Nativity scene. I consider this a plus, and try to find calendars that have this feature, which I consider the "big payoff" to the countdown. I've purchased several Bernadette Watts Advent Calendars the past few years and really enjoy both the main illustration and the scenes inside each door. I find these reminiscent of the German calendars I used as a child. The scenes inside the doors are very simple but charming: a robin, an orange, a present, etc. I only have one issue, and for some this may not be an issue at all. The calendar is mounted on cardboard stock. This does make it more sturdy and easier for small hands to open doors, but I prefer the ones on thinner paper. We hang the thinner ones in a window or stand in front of an electric light, allowing the tissue-paper illustrations to be lit like stained glass. If they could make their calendars on the more traditional thin stock, they would be perfect to me. Whether that's an issue for others depends on your personal preference.

My 6 year old daughter loved this Advent calendar. She loved all the cute animals and that it was glittery. She was very excited to open the extra large window on Christmas Eve. My only complaint was that the cardboard back came off this calendar (like it didn't get glued properly.) It didn't affect the use of the calendar, just made it a little thin. It would have been easy enough to glue it back on had I gotten to it before it found it's way into our recycling. :)

This is a very traditional, non-candy (woo hoo) advent calendar. It is sparkly and has delightful little critters in a snowy scene. It had interest of our young grandaughters because the detail is so rich.

Nice little calendar, the downfall is the images hidden aren't the best and they ruin the really nice woodland picture.

My two year old grandson loves his Advent Calendar. His mom says it is helping understand that something wonderful is coming and he loves seeing a new animal every day.

We liked the very cute winter scene depicted. It came with entirely too much packaging for something so small and thin.

Got it for my granddaughter who is till and infant but it will provide magic to her Christas in a few years.

My grand daughter wanted an Adven Calendar and it looked like a good one so I ordered it. I did not see it in person since I had it sent directly to her house. She said she liked it but would have preferred one that had surprises under each door. (Like a treat or a small ornament)

Grandson chose this, his mum liked it as well. Very attractive, would buy again.

So much nicer than the ones with chocolates!

This is a sweet scene and the illustrations behind individual doors are simple but also very good. I gave this to two adults who loved it. Would recommend for a child too provided they don't mind not having a chocolate one (which apparently is the norm now!). This could be done in addition to a chocolate one if they really are dependent on that, so that they also have nice visuals.

If you're looking for the traditional Christmas feel then this advent calender is it. Feels substantial and should last a fair few years. Very Nice.

So pleased I ordered this despite being a little pricey. Worth it though to avoid chocolate calendars that take away what advent is about. This is a beautiful calendar full of character and sparkle. Can't wait for my daughter to open doors 24 they are so large and special !