The Countdown is On

Edited on March 30th, 2025:

Greetings to all the inspiring minds here! When I was younger, I had this special advent calendar. Shaped like a Christmas tree, it held a small pocket for each day, and I couldn’t wait for the holiday season to arrive. Each pocket contained a little treat—a sweet, a gift, a small surprise—and the joy of opening them each evening was something I cherished deeply. The countdown to Christmas wasn’t just about the presents, but about the sense of anticipation, the excitement of what the next day would bring.

It was a time of wonder and delight, a simple ritual that made the holidays feel truly magical. Now, years later, I look back on that tradition with fondness, a smile coming to my face as I recall those moments of innocent joy.

Fast forward to this year, and I found myself thinking about that same excitement, that sense of magic. It’s been a few years since I’ve had an advent calendar, but I realized that I wanted to revive that tradition. I wanted to experience the countdown to Christmas again—not just for the treats, but to reconnect with the spirit of the season.

So, I set out on a mission to find the perfect advent calendar—one that would bring back that sense of childlike wonder. After some searching, I found it: Sugarfina’s 24 Tastes of Christmas - A Candy Tasting Collection. The perfect blend of nostalgia and indulgence.

As I opened each day’s pocket, I was reminded of the beauty of tradition, of how small moments of anticipation can hold so much joy. The act of waiting, of savoring each treat, brought a new depth to the season—one that goes beyond gifts and decorations. It reminded me that sometimes, the most meaningful experiences are the ones that create the most lasting memories.

Here’s a look at the candies I’ve enjoyed so far in this delightful collection, and how they’ve inspired me to savor the present, embrace tradition, and find joy in the simplest moments:

Day 1 - Chocolate Covered Cookie Dough
I’ve never been much of a cookie person, but this one surprised me. The rich, chocolate coating melted smoothly, and though the flavor didn’t quite remind me of cookie dough, it did give off a vibe of a chocolate-covered Oreo. It wasn’t what I expected, but in a good way. Sometimes, expectations are meant to be exceeded, and that’s exactly what happened here. I found myself looking forward to the next day’s treat with a little more excitement.

Day 2 - Cookies and Cream
This one was an absolute hit. The flavor was spot on—it tasted exactly like cookie dough, and the cute donut shape just added to the experience. It’s the small details that really make these treats stand out, turning something as simple as a candy into a delightful experience. This day reminded me that sometimes, the simplest things—like a childhood favorite—are exactly what we need to reconnect with the joy of the season.

Day 3 - Merry Berries
Now, these were a true highlight. I’ve always been a fan of berry flavors, and these were perfectly balanced between chewy and gummy. The texture was just right, not too firm and not too soft, and the flavor burst with a sweetness that felt both familiar and new. It was a comforting reminder of how something as simple as a candy can bring a sense of warmth, reminding me of the little things in life that hold so much beauty.

Day 4 - Holiday Presents
There’s something special about holiday-themed treats. These gummies were no exception, shaped like little presents, and though the flavor was subtle, there was something magical about their shape and texture. The act of unwrapping each pocket and revealing a gift—no matter how small—reminded me of the joy of giving, the anticipation that comes with both receiving and offering something special.

Day 5 - Raspberry Eiffel Tower
These were similar to the holiday presents, yet they had their own charm. The shape was a nice touch, and the raspberry flavor packed a little more punch. It made me think about how even the most familiar experiences—like enjoying a candy—can take on new layers when we approach them with fresh eyes. The Eiffel Tower shape added a whimsical element that was unexpected, and I appreciated that little spark of novelty.

Day 6 - Holiday Hearts
These little hearts were undeniably adorable. The vibrant colors and unique shape made them irresistible, and the flavor was different from your everyday gummy. It was sweeter, with a thicker, almost jelly-like consistency. This treat was a reminder that sometimes, the simplest pleasures in life—like a sweet candy or a shared moment with loved ones—are the ones that stay with us the longest.

Day 7 - Little Snowmen
At first glance, I expected these snowmen to be as sour as a batch of Sour Patch Kids. But to my surprise, they were much milder, with only a slight tang. It reminded me that not everything that seems intense or challenging on the surface is as overwhelming as it appears. Sometimes, things don’t turn out to be as “sour” as we expect, and that realization can be just as satisfying.

Day 8 - Sparkling Stars
At first glance, I thought these stars would pack a sour punch like the Little Snowmen, but they were surprisingly mild. However, the pineapple flavor added a little more tartness than expected, giving them a more prominent sour note. This reminded me that sometimes, life doesn’t always turn out exactly how we imagine it. You may anticipate something to be overwhelming, but instead, it brings a little unexpected balance. It's in those moments of surprise where we learn to find the sweetness, even in the sour.

Day 9 - Petite Strawberries
These gummies had a distinct consistency that was easy to chew yet felt a little thicker overall. The flavor was simple but delightful—exactly what you’d expect from a strawberry treat. But it was the texture that really stood out. It made me think about how, in life, we often crave simplicity. It’s easy to get caught up in complexity, but sometimes, the simplest experiences—like enjoying a perfectly chewy gummy—can bring the most joy. We just have to appreciate them for what they are.

Day 10 - Riptide Raspberries
Similar in texture to the Petite Strawberries, these raspberries added a refreshing twist. The flavor was distinct, with a slightly tangier profile than the strawberries, which gave it a bit of an edge. This reminded me of how life is full of contrasts—sweet and sour, smooth and rough. Both have their place, and it’s often the contrast between them that makes the experience richer. The raspberries were a small, but meaningful reminder that the unexpected can often enhance the ordinary.

Day 11 - Sprinkle Donuts
These were not only adorable but also had a fun surprise inside. Covered in what tasted like white chocolate, I discovered a wafer beneath. The texture contrast made it unique, and I thoroughly enjoyed the crunchy surprise. Life can often feel like a sprinkle of sweetness on top of something unexpected. Just like the wafer inside, the deeper layers of our experiences sometimes hold surprises we didn’t anticipate—but they often add to the richness of the whole. It's a good reminder that, sometimes, the best part of an experience is what lies underneath the surface.

Day 12 - Birthday Cake Cookies
A bite of this candy ball was like a small celebration. The cookie dough flavor was much stronger in this form than in the donut-shaped treat from earlier. It was an explosion of familiar sweetness that made me feel nostalgic for birthdays past. It reminded me that some moments in life call for full immersion—where you don’t just dip your toes in, but dive deep into the experience. And sometimes, it's the indulgence, the celebration of life's small victories, that makes all the difference.

Day 13 - Candy Cane Caramels
The first bite was like reliving the flavor of a Mint Meltaway, a familiar minty smoothness. But as I reached the end, the caramel took center stage, adding a surprising depth to the flavor. This candy made me reflect on how life often feels like a layered experience. What starts as one thing—smooth, simple, expected—can unfold into something more complex and beautiful, just like this treat. The journey from mint to caramel was a small reminder that the unexpected twists can often lead to the most rewarding experiences.

Day 14 - Peach Bum
With a texture similar to the Petite Strawberries and Riptide Raspberries, these gummies had the delightful combination of peach and pineapple flavor. The mix was a refreshing change, offering a tropical twist to the set. It made me realize that sometimes we need a little variety in our lives to keep things exciting. Like the unexpected combination of flavors, life often presents us with new experiences, and embracing those new, different things can open up a world of possibilities. It's a gentle reminder to seek out the new and embrace it for the richness it brings to our journey.

Day 15 - Peach Hearts
These Peach Hearts quickly became another favorite of mine. They taste just like Peach Rings, with that familiar, fruity burst of sweetness. But what really made them special was the shape and design—those little hearts are simply adorable. It got me thinking about how sometimes, the smallest details can elevate an experience. Just like these candies, life has its moments where a simple twist, a touch of creativity, can transform the ordinary into something extraordinary. A little love and attention can make all the difference.

Day 16 - Island Pineapples
The texture of these Island Pineapples was the same as the Riptide Raspberries, Petite Strawberries, and Peach Bum—chewy and satisfying. But what really stood out was the strength of the pineapple flavor. It packed a punch, more intense than any of the previous flavors. This candy reminded me that, sometimes, life needs a little boldness. While subtlety has its place, there are times when we need to embrace something with all its intensity, something that makes an impression. It’s in those strong moments that we truly feel alive.

Day 17 - Banana Gummies
Banana-flavored gummies are a rarity, so these stood out immediately. Their texture was similar to the Island Pineapples and others in the collection, but the flavor was a unique twist. The banana taste was strong and distinct, reminding me that sometimes in life, it’s the rare and unexpected experiences that make the journey worthwhile. The things we don’t encounter every day often leave the deepest impressions.

Day 18 - Apple Frogs
As someone who’s a fan of both green apple and frogs, this was an easy favorite. These gummies didn’t just taste like green apple—they were green apple in the most delicious form. The frog shape made it even more fun, adding a playful element to the experience. Life often presents us with moments that align with our interests, passions, and joys in unexpected ways. It’s these moments of connection that remind us to embrace what makes us happy, even in the little things.

Day 19 - Santa’s Trees
These Santa’s Trees were your classic gummies, but they came with a twist—an intricate, detailed shape that really made them stand out. The flavor, while subtle, was slightly more pronounced than the Eiffel Towers. But for me, it was the design that made them special. This little treat reminded me that, much like the holidays, it's not just about the grand gestures. Sometimes, it’s the small details—the thoughtful touches—that make something memorable. Life’s beauty lies in both the grand and the minute.

Day 20 - Rainbow Bears
These Rainbow Bears seemed like a simple, familiar treat at first, but the flavors were anything but ordinary. The first one tasted like Rosé, and the second one had hints of champagne. It made me think about how life can often surprise us with something unexpected. What we think we know, what we think we’re prepared for, can be so much more when we take the time to savor the moment. These candies reminded me that sometimes, a little twist on the familiar can lead to something even more delightful than anticipated.

Day 21 - Baby Whales
These Baby Whales were another treat that stood out, thanks not just to the sweet blue raspberry flavor but also because of their adorable design. The whale’s smile and the candy’s vibrant color made it as visually appealing as it was delicious. This one made me reflect on the joy that comes from embracing the playful side of life. There’s something inherently uplifting about allowing ourselves to indulge in simple pleasures, to seek out the beauty in the small things, and to smile at life’s whimsical moments.

Day 22 - Heavenly Sours
These Heavenly Sours were, well, heavenly in their own right. They were the most sour of the bunch—no sweetness to balance it out, just pure, unrelenting tartness. It made me think about how life sometimes throws challenges at us that feel a bit too sour, without the comforting sweetness to ease the bite. But there’s a certain beauty in embracing the sour moments. They’re sharp, intense, and uncomfortable, but they push us to grow. Just like the Heavenly Sours, sometimes the sour parts of life are exactly what we need to appreciate the sweetness that will come later.

Day 23 - Ice Cream Cones
These Ice Cream Cones instantly transported me back to my childhood, reminding me of the gummy hamburgers and pizzas I used to enjoy. The texture was the same as some of the previous gummies—chewy and satisfying—but the flavor took me straight back to simpler times. It's a nostalgic treat that’s familiar, comforting, and just plain fun. Life often offers us these moments of nostalgia, where a simple experience or flavor can remind us of who we were and how far we've come. In those moments, we reconnect with parts of ourselves we might have forgotten, and those connections bring warmth, joy, and perspective.

Day 24 - Milk Chocolate Donuts
The Milk Chocolate Donuts were a sweet and familiar finish to this journey. Like the Sprinkle Donuts from earlier, they had that satisfying wafer center, but this time, they were coated in rich milk chocolate. The contrast between the crunchy wafer and the smooth chocolate was pure perfection. It reminded me of the way life sometimes surprises us—two elements that seem so different, yet when they come together, they create something even more wonderful than we could have imagined. The simple pleasures, like these donuts, are a reminder that life’s most beautiful moments are often the result of unexpected combinations.

Each day, there were four candies. It gave me the chance to share this sweet experience with my family, something I truly looked forward to. The act of sharing wasn’t just about passing out treats—it was about bringing a little joy to those around me. In a world that can feel fast-paced and sometimes overwhelming, it was a simple gesture that allowed us to connect, laugh, and create new memories together.

There’s something truly magical about nostalgia. It pulls us back to simpler times, to moments where life felt a little slower, a little sweeter. And in sharing these moments with my loved ones, I realized just how much we all crave that connection. It’s not about the candy itself—it’s about the shared experience. The act of opening each little pocket, revealing what’s inside, and seeing the delight in each other’s faces. It’s these small, thoughtful moments that make life richer.

I could have enjoyed the calendar on my own, but by including my family, I found something deeper. Sometimes the greatest joys in life aren’t the things we keep to ourselves, but the things we share with others. The simple act of giving, of spreading that happiness, can make the experience even more special. It was a reminder that no matter how big or small, the impact of kindness and connection resonates beyond ourselves.

And in the end, it wasn’t just the candy that made this journey unforgettable. It was the moments we shared, the laughter that echoed through the house, and the way it brought us together, even in the busiest of times. It was a daily treat, not just for the taste buds, but for the heart.

Life is full of sweet moments—some big, some small—but it’s how we choose to savor them, share them, and appreciate them that makes all the difference. We don’t need to wait for the holidays or special occasions to create memories. Every day offers us an opportunity to spread a little joy, to share a moment of sweetness with those around us. Whether it’s through a small gesture or just taking the time to appreciate life’s little pleasures, we can make each day feel like a treat.

As a signature of my blog, I like to end each post with a suggestion to “Pass on kindness”. There is no such time as the present to Inspire Those Who Inspire You. Acts of kindness, no matter how big or small, can have a direct, positive impact on someone else. Go out there today and change someone’s life for the better!

***These are my personal opinions and may not be those of my employer.***

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