Growing up we had one of those advent calendars that you open a small door for each day and there is a piece of chocolate waiting for you. At least, this is what I remember. I wanted to do something different for my son. One, because chocolate makes him hyper and two, I want to instill a love of books and reading in him.
I found the idea last year on Pinterest. Instead of a calendar, each night my son has to find the date (great for knowing and remembering his numbers) and open up his presents. Each present is a book. Some are winter books; some are holiday books; some might be just a special book that I think he should have. I don't buy all new books every year. I actually use some of the same each year and then buy 5-10 new books.
My son absolutely loves being able to find the present (I don't always put them under the tree in order) and he loves the extra reading time (which is mostly the point). I don't necessarily need the extra reading time because I am fortunate that my son already loves reading, but I just wanted to add to that. I wanted to tap into that excitement even more.
My son absolutely loves being able to find the present (I don't always put them under the tree in order) and he loves the extra reading time (which is mostly the point). I don't necessarily need the extra reading time because I am fortunate that my son already loves reading, but I just wanted to add to that. I wanted to tap into that excitement even more.
My plan is to continue this tradition every year. Although at some point, he will not want the same books from the year before...or maybe he will.
Speaking of books, I have had a lot of fun taking Christmas pictures of my short stories book, Stories After Dark. Starting tomorrow the ebook version will be just 99 cents on Amazon!! If you purchase it, please leave a review so I know what you think of it. If you enjoy short stories with surprise endings then hurry and get it before the price goes back up!!
Speaking of books, I have had a lot of fun taking Christmas pictures of my short stories book, Stories After Dark. Starting tomorrow the ebook version will be just 99 cents on Amazon!! If you purchase it, please leave a review so I know what you think of it. If you enjoy short stories with surprise endings then hurry and get it before the price goes back up!!
Follow me on twitter @jwa_jessica (see the right hand column) or Instagram @jwarrenauthor for updates, selfies, quotes and writing pictures. I am currently writing a novel and hope to be done with my first draft by the end of winter break. We will see.