#1 book that’s absolutely worth reading

A novel from the author of Sophie’s World – perfect for the first December weekend. It’s short, it’s christmassy and well-written. It’s philosophical (of course) – Jostein Gaarder makes you think in a beautiful way. It’s sad, but in a way makes you happy reading it. I loved Sophie’s World and I love this as well.

#2 movie you shouldn’t miss 

Edward Scissorhands is one of my favorite non-christmassy Christmas movies (if you know what I mean). It’s a beautiful fairytale told by Tim Burton with Johnny Depp in the lead. If you need to explain to your kids where the snow comes from and they just won’t believe your mother Hulda (Frau Holle) stories, watch this movie together!

#3 craft idea for the weekend – sock monkey!

I found this beautiful website called craftbits.com. They have a really good sock monkey sewing tutorial – too cute! And a good stocking filler.

#4 recipe to try on the weekend

Sweet and spicy peanut brittle – recipe found at A Beautiful Mess. Looks so delicous!

#5 instead of filling your Advent calendars with sweets – fill it with your time

Time is precious and often much more appreciated than other gifts. Even with kids – try it out. During Christmas season there’s chocolate everywhere, but time is scarce.

Why not put little time vouchers in the Advent calendars of your kids/friends/parents/partners? Vouchers for baking gingerbread together, time for reading stories or going to the Christmas markets, time for collecting chestnuts outside or building snowmans together. Time for making mulled wine yourselves and watching old movies. They’ll love it!