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We did it last year and did a mix of christmas books and reg books. When we packed up the decorations I packed up the christmas books we gave her plus a bunch of christmas books she got as gifts. This year I'm just wrapping up the christmas books and doing 12 days... Next year she'll get the same christmas books. I feel like they will still be special since she only sees them this time of year. (some are classics - night before christmas, grinch, the birth of Jesus)

I had thought about this possibility, and I think my LO is someone who grows to expect things if she's been given the same message day after day, so I didn't want to start off the calendar with a "present" or a "treat". We read a new book last night (though I didn't wrap it, so I think she understands it wasn't a present), but I am going to try to mix it up with different things each day so she doesn't think she is getting a present every day.

@sorrycharlie: I'm sorry. I can totally see that happening with a 3 year old.

I think my LO would react the same way which is why I'm not in love with the idea where she gets some sort of present or treat every day. We're not doing anything this year but I saw this Melissa & Doug "Countdown to Christmas" tree with magnetic ornaments that I might get for next year. Still exciting to put an ornament on the tree each day but without the expectations of a gift.

@tinyperson: This was our experience last year.

Last night he made the connection right away that they were all books, and that we get to read a special Christmas/winter book every night until Christmas. When we were leaving this morning he informed me that he would get to open and read book #2 after his bath tonight.

We did it last year with just putting a book in a box every morning. This year, we are unwrapping, but it hasn't been an issue. I just focus on the "practicing waiting" aspect and talk about how excited we are,, but need to be patient just like everyone was patient for Jesus' birth. But he also just had his birthday, so he is kind of presented-out.

@lawbee11: We have this tree! We're only two days in, but LO was so excited to see all the ornaments and to be the one in charge of picking the ornaments each day.

@sorrycharlie: I'm with @Looch:. I would continue and see what happens. It's so early in the process that I think your LO needs time to adjust/set expectations.

We started the Advent books with our 2yo yesterday and had a rough start as well! We also have one of the chocolate Advent calendars. Of course, he wanted to open all the doors of chocolate and all the books yesterday! I'm hoping that he'll catch on to the pattern of ONE chocolate and new book each night within a week or so.

@lawbee11: I love that tree!