Away in a Manger Advent Calendar

I wasn't sure what to expect from this, but we love it! (our son is 5) Behind each flap is a picture and a part of the Christmas story... 1 "A long long time ago in Judea" 2 "Caesar Augustus issued a decree" 3 "That all the world shall be taxed" The calendar itself is pretty thin/flimsy, but this has not been a problem for us.

I was looking for quality advent calendars like the ones my Grandmother used to send us every year. I bought this one, and one with a less religious woodland scene. They are both beautiful. They are each large (11 x 14?) quality images and constructed well on heavy guage cardboard. Neither of them have a built-in piece that flips out so you can stand them up (like a picture frame) but, we just lean it up against the wall on the sideboard. I was VERY pleased with both calendars, especially after being disspointed that NONE of the stores in my aread seem to cary them, or even knew what I meant when I inquired about an "advent calendar" (wow!).

Growing up, I was given an advent calendar every year for Christmas. Most of these advent calendars were just paper doors with pictures behind them, sometimes part of a story. I've heard of advent calendars with chocolate or other items behind the doors, but for me, opening a door each day in anticipation of Christmas was enough.

This calendar was nice and sturdy paper, not as flimsy as some I've seen recently. It has a stand in the back so it can be stood upright on a table or shelf. The artwork is beautiful, and the family I gave it to thought it was a lovely addition to their holiday decorations. Behind each door is not only a picture, but a small part of the Christmas story. When all of the doors have been opened, the full story can be read, making it much more interesting than just a series of pictures.