The Rev. George Yandell, Rector
In the Chattanooga Times Free Press November 8 issue, there appeared a long article about Advent calendars. I scanned it and discovered the following: Advent calendars have gotten more elaborate. “These days you can them filled with candy or toys for kids, and wine and whiskey for adults.” What?!
Godiva’s Advent calendar is filled with the company’s luxury chocolates. Aldi has more than 20 Advent calendars for foodies. “If you give them as gifts, the recipient will be reminded of your friendship for 24 days and they’re practically guaranteed to lift your mood at the beginning or end of each day.”
This one really caught my attention:
“Cheese lovers will love a daily dose of cheese with Ilchester’s Advent cheese calendar. Its assortment includes Red Leicester cheese, Wensleydale cheese with cranberries and the company’s delicious sharp cheddar. The cheese is from Ilchester, a village in southwestern England, an area known for making quality cheeses. And what you’ll find in each window is just the bite you need to pair with your favorite afternoon wine. $24.95”
I am not making this up. Pretty cheesy, eh?
When I was growing up, it was only the Episcopalians, Roman Catholics and a few protestants who employed Advent calendars. They were teaching tools for us kids to learn about the impending birth of the savior of the world. None were at all savory. Just small panels we’d open to see images of donkeys, mangers, angels and the like.
I can say for certain I never want a foodie Advent calendar. I’ve become a curmudgeon without realizing it. Merry Christmas. George Yandell