An Advent Calendar to Get Excited About

Yes, I love chocolate: but a new short story every day? That’s way more satisfying.

You might think that, given that we’ve been working on Christmas and holiday stories since June here at the magazine, I’d get a little tired of the season by the time it actually rolls around. But truth be told, I really don’t. I love a good gingerbread latte for my afternoon coffee break, it takes all my willpower to not put up the tree as of November 1—and I love, love, love advent calendars for their countdown to the big day. (I’ve even hand stitched a DIY pair for my niece and nephew, so that my milk-allergic nephew can have something other than milk-chocolate for his own countdown.)This year, I’ve found one that got an added level of excitement attached to it: the Short Story Advent Calendar features 24 short stories from top writers—including two of my favourites, Jess Walters (Beautiful Ruins, The Financial Lives of Poets) and Heather O’Neill (Lullabies for Little Criminals)—each sealed until the day they’re revealed. They’re the initiative of Edmonton Journal books columnist Michael Hingston (which explains the top talent) and Calgary/Vancouver designer Natalie Olsen (which explains why it’s in such a pretty package).It’s a limited-run edition, so once they’re gone, they’re gone. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the cold season: a daily short story under a warm blanket, paired with a gingerbread latte.Short Story Advent Calendar, $55, shortstoryadventcalendar.com