One of my favorite things is the Advent calendar. I love waking up every morning knowing there is a surprise waiting for me behind a small colorful door. It puts a smile on my face and a sweet taste in my mouth.

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Christmas is often seen as a season of great joy or great sadness. And at times the spirit of Christmas is lost through ‘busyness and commercialism". Therefore, wouldn’t it be great if we created advent calendars containing blessings and surprises for people in our lives and community. Each morning we set our intention towards creating a moment for someone else to be surprised and blessed. It does not have to be ‘big’ or costly, as a little advent chocolate works for me. The surprises can be an unexpected compliment to a colleague who you know works hard but goes unnoticed or it is tea with your elderly neighbor. You can challenge yourself to smile at everyone you encounter or leave a surprise note of appreciation in your loved one’s lunch.

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Let’s be intentional this season and think about blessing strangers and family members. We have 25 doors to open and many lives to touch. I guarantee you too will smile more, feel blessed and surprised, as you embrace this advent challenge.