Wasn't it just summer? Where have they gone, June, July, August and September? They trickled through my fingers like sandy beach sand. But now it's fall. It's still dark when I get up in the morning and just after work in the evening. In between, the leaves are changing color, people are finally wearing proper shoes again (there are some feet you just don't want to show off) and I'm already looking forward to burning my tongue on the first chestnut. My daughter and her friends have been rehearsing their "sweet or sour (sic)" slogan for weeks and regularly run their little fingers up and down the doorbells of our neighbors' houses. And this year, I have resolved not to work night shifts at the end of November again to quickly cobble together the Advent calendar for my daughter. Because it's clear that she's getting one. I love seeing her anticipation for Christmas as my little morning grump dashes to the calendar in the early hours of the morning, grinning. I make sure to pack little special things that my daughter can really use and nothing that will end up in the garbage can shortly afterwards. I particularly like things that we can spend time with together. I recently spoke to Hedvig Montgomery, a family therapist who is as likeable as she is knowledgeable. Her "Hedvig formula" is a bestseller and is designed to make us families happier. The Norwegian woman told me that the greatest gift you can give a child is to listen to them. With this in mind: pack a good portion of time into your Advent calendar and perhaps one or two of these lovely things.
Tattoos that glow in the dark.
Coloring book: Dem fox can be painted in different clothes. Great entertainment for boring restaurant visits.
Voucher for a home movie afternoon with popcorn, for example to watch the Christmas story of Petterson and Findus.
The whole family can enjoy a gameafternoon.
Trailer for the Christmas tree. Also available with glitter.
Small ornaments like these necklace or this one.
Off to the wild animals: One entry for the zoo.
Who paints the most beautiful pictures? With this color box you can win any painting competition.
The finest material for reading aloud afternoons is offered by the book "The girl who feared the cold".
There are plenty of recipes: Baking tins for making cookies together.
There was never dough in such cool colors!
From Russia with love: The fruits made of wood can be divided into several packets and are also available in a vegetable version.
The wooden toys from Heimstätten Wil are always a good choice, like these Sports speedster or helicopters.
Little mouse in the spa. Or in the matchbox.
An entrance to the Purple Children's Theater.
Hello 2019, even boys like to have colorful nails. For pirates and princesses, there are these water-soluble nail polishes.
They also look good on mom on New Year's Eve: glittery hair clips.
For Astro fans there are these chic pins.
Recommended for ages 8 and up: Admission for Snow White at the Schauspielhaus.
