It’s the first Sunday of Advent!

We’re easing on into Advent 2025 with a party. Well, it’s a small family party. Tonight’s the night we trim the tree. And, along with, we’re going to give ourselves a little bit of a “Dutch treat.” Or would it be called “Dutch courage?”

As a lover of eggnog, I’m ready and willing to try all iterations. And this evening, we’re planning on having an Advocaat tasting. No, we won’t be going the DIY route just yet.[There’s plenty of time to go full-tilt in the kitchen this December!] Tonight, we’ll be sampling Bols Advocaat straight and then mixing it in a cocktail. We’ll consult Difford’s Guide for a few Advocaat cocktail options. I’m already eyeing the Angel’s Advocate, a mix of gin, advocaat, vanilla syrup, lemon, and cardamom bitters.

Once we’ve decked the tree, our mission will be to record a “Christmas Story” for Jon Solomon’s 25-hour Xmas Marathon on WPRB Princeton. I’ve got an ancient carol I want to transform into something out of this world, and I’m hoping the family will help me. [I’d say more, but Jon likes you to keep your pieces under wraps until they premiere on his show.]

See you tomorrow for our first Make-Ahead Monday of SSJ Advent 2025

ON THIS DAY

2024: Advent 2024 Love-To-Do-List
2023: SSJ’s Iconic Advent Love-To-Do-List 2023 [and a Bonus Advent TBD]
2022: Pochoir Printed Holiday Postcards
2021: Giving Tuesday, Support the Bruce Trail Conservancy
2020: Advent Love-To-Do List 2020
2018: Advent Calendar 2018
2016: Make Chocolate-Dipped Coconut Macaroons
2015: Family Advent Calendar : Make Italian Lemon Knots
2014: Sketch-It Sunday: Re-Illustrate Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas
2013: Advent Eve: Tree Trimming Party: Easy Gingerbread Garlands & Favourite Photo Ornaments
2012: Advent Shadowbox 2012: An Introduction
2011: Advent Shadowbox: Day 4, A Birdseed Wreath