Last year, several of our neighbors got together and designed a window for our town’s Advent calendar. When I saw them setting everything up in our communal garden, I was kind of sad they hadn’t invited me to join them. I mentioned to a few of them that if they did it this year I would love to participate. Which they were glad to do. I think they just figured with so many kids, I wouldn’t have time. But when it comes to Christmas stuff, I always make the time. 🙂
After several planning meetings, where we discussed what theme we would use, where we should put the whole display, and then finally, who would bring what for goodies to share, they all met at my house to make some of the decorations. We spent a couple hours stuffing empty boxes with crumpled newspaper, then sealed them up, and wrapped them like real presents. Then we covered them in plastic wrap, to try and make them as snow proof as possible. They loved my huge giant roll of plastic wrap with the slide cutter Jenna bequeathed me when she went back to the States. Made the whole process go much smoother and quicker.
Finally, on Wednesday, was the big unveiling. Our apartment manager, and several of the husbands, had set everything up over the past couple of days. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to help put up the treat tables, as Noah had swim class until just before the whole thing started. But the gingerbread men we were bringing were already baked and decorated. We brought the platters down and the whole shindig got under way.
First we gathered in the parking garage and sang some Christmas songs, accompanied by two of our neighbors on their clarinet and electric guitar. It was pretty cool. Then we all walked outside, and M. plugged in the lights. They made an 8 out of lights, since our “window” was for Dec. 8. I think we did a pretty good job, what do you think?
After we had gazed at it admiringly for an appropriate amount of time, we went back into the garage for treats and warm punsch. 
There was an alcoholic version, and a child-friendly one. She even had a thermos full of cool water you could add in case your punsch was too hot for you. My kids appreciated that very much. And the gingerbread men were all gone within minutes. They were just the right amount of sweet and spicy for the Swiss. I was glad. 
They originally wanted me to bring doughnuts, but seeing as how I hadn’t been able to get into my kitchen for most of the day, that wasn’t possible. Day old doughnuts just aren’t as good. But day old gingerbread tastes even better than straight out of the oven.
This is our famous apartment manager, Maya B. She is the nicest, most helpful woman ever. And she is like a third Grandma to the kids. She is always making treats for the holidays and leaving them as a surprise on the doorstep. Most of the decorations for the Advent window were her idea. She is a craft genius. Seriously puts me to shame. We have truly been blessed to have her in our building.