The idea of a Living Advent calendar, originally from Sweden, is for volunteers from 24 houses and community hubs to illuminate their windows with festive decorations during December. One window is ‘opened’ each day from the 1st to the 24th December and remains illuminated until 12th night. It offers a wonderful opportunity to get to know people and to brighten up the area with seasonal cheer. Local resident Amy Pollard organised one this year in our neighbourhood and WHPARA was delighted to offer support. It kicked off on Tuesday 1st December, when a group of some thirty locals met in Cressida Road to enjoy the unveiling of the first window. Mince pies and mulled wine were on offer, and the crowd counted down to the unveiling at 6pm. It was a jolly start to the festive season, and a good opportunity for a chat with fellow residents. A new window was revealed every day until Christmas, with a similar turnout, and everyone who came along said what an enjoyable and sociable occasion it was. Photos from each day are in the gallery below, and you can find their location from the
timetable. Windows will stay illuminated until Twelfth Night on 6th January.