Presents are great. But more presents are even better. I think that's what makes an advent calendar such a gleeful experience. For the uninitiated, it's a box with 24 tiny numbered compartments, each holding a little surprise. Starting on December 1st you open one each day in a build-up to Santa's main event. Sure, each present waiting for you behind the little door is small, but with your expectations properly sized even a waxy-tasting chocolate snowman is a big treat.

Advent calendars have apparently come a long way from the flimsy cardboard box filled with crummy chocolates that I loved  as a child. Now you can get an entire Lego or Playmobil set, parceled out one piece at a time. But why should kids and bloggers have all the fun? More retailers are getting into the act, like the red Starbucks advent calendar above (sadly filled with candy instead of coffee beans like I'd hoped).

Of course to really do it up right you need to fill an empty calendar yourself. That way you really keep 'em guessing. A few jelly beans one day, a compass ring the next, maybe one those cool parchute men - the joy would be boundless!   A Kaboodle search for advent calendars turns up plenty of unique designs. I'm hoping Santa brings me that green wooden tree. If only I could sucker someone into filling it for me each year...