Yeah, okay. It might be a bit late for you to be thinking about getting an Advent Calendar. And you might think it’s just for the kids. But who doesn’t like waking up to a surprise every morning?

If you’re ready to embrace your inner child here’s a few adult-friendly advent calendars you can buy or make.

1 – Liquor advent calendar

Source: http://bit.ly/1M00hHP
Source: http://bit.ly/1M00hHP

You can buy one of these from Master of Malt. That’s right, 24 samples of the liquor of your choice. They’ve got whiskey, gin, vodka, tequila, and even rum. You do have to order it online, but the good news is, once it arrives, you’ll have fun catching up.

2 – Beer advent calendar

Source: http://bit.ly/1QhqyIX
Source: http://bit.ly/1QhqyIX

There is one you can buy if you live in Edmonton. For those of us who don’t, go to the LC and make your own. Get 24 of your favourite beers (local, imported, craft, whatever) and number them.

3 – Chocolate Advent Calendar

Source: iStockPhoto.com
Source: iStockPhoto.com

Why? Because it’s tradition. Only now, instead of the squares of milk chocolate, you can do it up right with the good stuff. We’ve got some awesome local chocolatiers (like Chocolatier Constance Popp or Bernard Callebaut Chocolaterie). Visit one of them to buy some chocolate to make your own. The only difficult part is stopping at one per day.

4 – Tea-vent Calendar

Source: iStockPhoto.com
Source: iStockPhoto.com

Trying to be good this holiday season? Try a tea calendar instead. It can be as simple as stopping by David’s Tea or Teavana and picking up samples of 24 teas that you want to try. This time, of the year they have a ton of holiday specials so mix it up.

5 – Activity Calendar

Source: iStockPhoto.com
Source: iStockPhoto.com

This one is a bit more work, but it’s worth it. Especially if you put off the holiday set-up. First, Get a list of everything you need to do before your holiday of choice. Write them on a card, flip all the cards over and mix them up (or don’t, I’m not going to know). Then, either write dates on the back of them or put them in labeled envelopes. Just open one every day and complete the task on the card. Need some ideas?

  • bake cookies
  • decorate the tree
  • mail the Christmas cards
  • have coffee with friends
  • plan the holiday menu
  • wrap presents.

Go forth adults and enjoy the countdown to the holidays.

Written by Jen Walichnowski