Let's talk Advent calendars.

December rushes by. Work wraps up, school finishes, the shopping list grows and suddenly it’s Christmas Eve.

An advent calendar slows things down. One small ritual each day reminds everyone that the build-up is part of the joy.

Here are three lovely ways to count down this year.

1. A Barbara Behr advent calendar

Barbara Behr’s Victorian-style artwork is made for Christmas. Her advent calendars are printed in Germany, finished with a hanging ribbon and packed with detail behind 24 windows.

• Magical Winter Express: Santa guides a Christmas train through a snowy village. It’s hand glittered in Germany and measures about 52 x 38 cm.
• Story of Christmas Silhouette: a round, translucent design about 45 cm across. Festive silhouettes circle the numbered windows, and it looks beautiful hung where the light can shine through.

Both are $44.99. They’re a calendar you’ll want to bring out year after year, not throw away on Boxing Day.

2. A jigsaw advent calendar

The Winter Evening in the Town Advent Calendar Jigsaw swaps chocolate for calm. It holds 24 small boxes, each with about 42 pieces.

Open a box each day and add it to the picture. On Christmas Eve, the final box completes a 1000-piece Barbara Behr scene.

It’s $74.99, and it suits families and puzzlers who’d like a quiet moment together each evening.

3. An advent candle

An advent candle is one of the oldest countdown traditions. Light it each day in December and watch it burn down towards Christmas.

Our Snowmen advent candle is decorated with snowmen, little robins and snowflakes. It stands 29.5 cm high, has a total burn time of 12 hours and is handmade in the UK. That works out to about half an hour each evening. We also have Choir Boys designs in blue and red.

Advent candles are $14.99 each. A stand isn’t included, so pop it on a plate or candle holder. As with any candle, never leave it burning unattended.

Start on 1 December

Most calendars begin on 1 December, so there’s still time to choose. Order now and you’ll be ready to open the first window, light the first evening’s candle or tip out the first box of pieces.

They also make a thoughtful early Christmas gift, as they’re used all month long.

Shop the range

Find our advent calendars and candles at www.myornaments.com.au. Afterpay is available.