This year's blog is brought to you 8 months late...
Thanks to the efforts of the Adelaide Building Facades Advent Team* for organising and executing.
*just Joyce
Thanks to the efforts of the Adelaide Building Facades Advent Team* for organising and executing.
*just Joyce
Day 1 and 2
First Day of December in the office! If it weren't for the sound of Bobby Helms singing Jingle Bell Rock, we wouldn't have known. But of course, we are reminded and everyone becomes very excited. So we begin with the Advent calendar.
We start with Mr. Simon, the ever-so-festive.
Counting for the December days over the weekend, we start the daily quiz questions...
Riddle of the 1st day: How many ghosts are there in A Christmas Carol?
Riddle of the 2nd day: Stollen is the traditional fruit cake of which country?
We don't dwell on the questions too long, Simon is dying to know what his present is. He gets....
Counting for the December days over the weekend, we start the daily quiz questions...
Riddle of the 1st day: How many ghosts are there in A Christmas Carol?
Riddle of the 2nd day: Stollen is the traditional fruit cake of which country?
We don't dwell on the questions too long, Simon is dying to know what his present is. He gets....
... Snoopy-themed christmas wrapping paper!! And he's so stoked. Can hardly contain his joy.
Day 3
Day 3 of Advent. People are getting more and more excited every day.
Today is Lyn's turn! And she runs to ask the riddles...
Today is Lyn's turn! And she runs to ask the riddles...
Question of the day: What is a female turkey called?
It's a hen, but apparently no one knew that.
We're still having a good time though! I've never seen so much happiness and laughter in the office before. See for yourself below.
It's a hen, but apparently no one knew that.
We're still having a good time though! I've never seen so much happiness and laughter in the office before. See for yourself below.
But the happiest of all was Lyn, who received a christmas Egg Timer and Folding Trivet!! So excited, she jumps with joy.
Day 4
Today Dev gets an Advent gift, and Dev waits for no one before approaching the Calendar. He can't wait. Waiting will cause him to burst at the seams.
"What is the name of the skin that hangs from a turkey's neck?" Dev asks the group. There's a bit of discussion.. Wenzel makes a cheeky comment.. Lyn wants a chocolate... The group needs help, I offer a hint, Phil guessed it! Or maybe he's known the whole time.
Anyway, it's 'Wattle'. Who cares -- Dev wants to know what he got!
Stainless Steel Straws - Awesome!!! Dev's kids were thrilled (honestly, he told me the day after).
Day 5
Sarah is up and ready. She didn't hang up on her call to get to the Advent Calendar this morning, but she also didn't not-hang up on her call to get to the calendar...
Quiz of the day: "which spirit is traditionally added to butter and served with Christmas pudding".
Those in the office that didn't know this quiz was a speed round were the ones who lost -- that's everyone but Olivia, who gave no one a chance. To completely annihilate the competition is something she finds all quite laughable...
It's 'Brandy, of course.
Those in the office that didn't know this quiz was a speed round were the ones who lost -- that's everyone but Olivia, who gave no one a chance. To completely annihilate the competition is something she finds all quite laughable...
It's 'Brandy, of course.
Meanwhile, Sarah pulls her gift out of the Christmas stocking. What's she got in stock(ing)?
A box container! But what's the box containing?
Oh, it's a teacup and infuser! Now that is just lovely!!
Day 6
It is none other than Madi to be gifted an Advent present this morning. But first, the question: "what is a 'buche de noel', commonly eaten in France at Christmas"?
This is a question that stumps most...
And what does Madi get?
It's a very fancy oil and vinegar dispenser. Fancy and designed.*
*Note: Jokes and comments were made about the shape and design of the dispenser. The Adelaide Building Facades Advent Team does not recognise the resemblance of this very fancy dispenser design to other similarly shaped items. This item is intended for use with salad dressings, and only salad dressings.
*Note: Jokes and comments were made about the shape and design of the dispenser. The Adelaide Building Facades Advent Team does not recognise the resemblance of this very fancy dispenser design to other similarly shaped items. This item is intended for use with salad dressings, and only salad dressings.
Day 7, 8, and 9
Monday morning and Nick decides to share the riddles for the weekend days past. How generous, to share the joy of the riddle reading. Maybe we should call him Saint Nick (because it's Christmas and Saint Nick is related to Christmas and giving, etc.)
Nick hands riddle off to Georgia who asks: " What well-known Christmas carol became the first song ever broadcast from space in 1965?" It's Jingle Bells, Laura wins a chocolate!
Nick hands riddle off to Georgia who asks: " What well-known Christmas carol became the first song ever broadcast from space in 1965?" It's Jingle Bells, Laura wins a chocolate!
And Nick hands off another riddle to Lyn, who asks " Which Christmas food is it considered good luck to eat one of on each of the 12 days of Christmas?". Apparently, every one is baffled by this question and Lyn in particular is disappointed she couldn't answer. Only Nick knows! It's Mince Pies. He collects his chocolate prize, and reads the final riddle of the day.
Question is: "As the clock chimes midnight to ring in the New Year, a Spanish tradition involves eating twelve of what -- one for each chime?"
Alicia chimes in with "Grapes" which is totally correct and she wins a chocolate. Wasn't expecting anyone to answer this one correctly but as it turns out, Alicia has spent some time in Spain and knows the traditions well.
Alicia chimes in with "Grapes" which is totally correct and she wins a chocolate. Wasn't expecting anyone to answer this one correctly but as it turns out, Alicia has spent some time in Spain and knows the traditions well.
Finally, Nick digs into the stocking to find his advent gift...
It's a Lisanthus plant! Wow, a gift that keeps giving. Someone's a lucky guy!
Day 10
Georgia is up! It's her day on the advent calendar and she's so thrilled. She poses with the poster before throwing the riddle out. "Which country was the first to use the tradition of Christmas Trees?
And what's Georgia's Advent gift?
Oh! It's a cactus! So so lucky, it's almost unfathomable how lucky someone can be.
Day 11
It's Laura P's day on the advent calendar. It's hard to put her level of excitement this morning into words. See for yourselves below.
Riddle of the day: "Who invented electric Christmas lights?" ...
Thomas Edison in 1880 -- ha! Got ya.
Only a trickster like Nick could know the answer to that trick question. He runs to claim his prize.
Thomas Edison in 1880 -- ha! Got ya.
Only a trickster like Nick could know the answer to that trick question. He runs to claim his prize.
Meanwhile, Laura is itching to find out what the stocking has for her..
Another cactus! Wow, the Adelaide Office are a very lucky bunch. And Laura is truly pleased!
At this point, the office is starting to realise that the gifts of each week are grouped thematically.. This week's theme: plants. A great theme!
And it appears that a select few have decided to dress to match this week's eco-enviro-sustaina-green theme. See below of (left to right:) Sarah, Olivia, Georgia, Anastasia.
At this point, the office is starting to realise that the gifts of each week are grouped thematically.. This week's theme: plants. A great theme!
And it appears that a select few have decided to dress to match this week's eco-enviro-sustaina-green theme. See below of (left to right:) Sarah, Olivia, Georgia, Anastasia.
Day 12
![Picture](/uploads/9/6/5/7/96576942/img-8270.jpg?250)
We are so happy to welcome our colleagues from WSP to participate in the Christmas festivities. Today was a special day for Evie, with whom we've shared an office for two years, and have considered just as much one of the 'Adelaide Office' bunch. Evie is over the moon that her Advent day has arrived.
Riddle of the day: "Which was the first country to issue a Christmas postage stamp?"
No one knows.
But Laura's got a good guess (after many many hints). It's Canada.
No one knows.
But Laura's got a good guess (after many many hints). It's Canada.
And Evie dives into the stocking. We've never seen Evie in a more happy and excited state! That's the joy and magic of the CHRISTMAS TIME FOLKS!
She pulls out a strawberry plant!! Everyone in the office is green with envy.
But then a little bird calls telling her there's more..
.. AND SOME MULTI-COLOURED MEASURING CUPS!
Evie is ecstatic, and cannot be happier. She is deeply thrilled.
But then a little bird calls telling her there's more..
.. AND SOME MULTI-COLOURED MEASURING CUPS!
Evie is ecstatic, and cannot be happier. She is deeply thrilled.
Day 13
Jia's turn this morning on the Advent Calendar. He's quite happy about it.
He excitedly asks the group: "Which country is the largest exporter of Christmas trees?"
A bit of discussion amongst the group.. Reza and Evie come to the conclusion, and Reza gets it. It's Canada once again.
He excitedly asks the group: "Which country is the largest exporter of Christmas trees?"
A bit of discussion amongst the group.. Reza and Evie come to the conclusion, and Reza gets it. It's Canada once again.
And what does Jia get??
He gets a jigsaw puzzle! His favourite! Wait there's more, AND CHOCOLATE. Wow, what a lucky guy. Everyone else in the office is writhing with envy.
He gets a jigsaw puzzle! His favourite! Wait there's more, AND CHOCOLATE. Wow, what a lucky guy. Everyone else in the office is writhing with envy.
Day 14, 15, and 16
This glorious Monday morning in the office the sun is bright and everyone is a great mood. Or maybe its just glorious for Alicia, who finds herself as the advent gift recipient this morning.
She soaks up the glory of the moment like a cat would soak up the sun on an idle Sunday afternoon (i.e with her eyes shut).
She soaks up the glory of the moment like a cat would soak up the sun on an idle Sunday afternoon (i.e with her eyes shut).
Again, we cover the weekend advent days.
For the 14th: "Which country follows the tradition to light candles on the graves of relatives on Christmas Eve?"
Olivia answers it in a jiffy, "Finland". Too easy. Well done, Olivia.
Alicia is having so much fun this morning, she can't and won't stop.
For the 15th: "According to the Italian tradition, who delivers gifts to good children on the eve of Epiphany?".
No one knows but Evie. Evie is baffled why no one knows. "Befana! We learnt in italian class in reception". Well, Evie, it is clear from this evidence that you have been a careful listener since the very beginning of your education, and that you have excellent memory. Well done, Evie, have a chocolate!
One more question for today, but Alicia can't wait any more! She wants to get to her present! Quickly quickly, she reads out the last one, "How many points does a snowflake traditionally have?".
It's a bit of a guessing game. But that doesn't matter because Steve wins. (It's six).
And finally, Alicia digs into the stocking to find her present is a...
Someone from the crowd: "what is it"?
Alicia: "It's a.. salad dressing measuring cup! Oh my goodness, thank you!! I needed a liquid measuring thing! and I love salads! and this tells me how much of what components goes into 4 of my favourite salad dressings. This is amazing!! Thank you so much, how did you know?"
Merry Christmas, Alicia.
Day 17
Olivia has been looking forward to her turn on the Advent Calendar since she first learnt of the tradition in 2017, upon a random visit to the Adelaide office from her original London office. But she waits no more, because today is the day! What's more, it's her birthday. How perfectly that has aligned! Almost as if it were planned...
Oh it's a CD!
Olivia: "That's perfect! I did mention to Joyce that my car only played CDs and I needed a good one".
Well Olivia, there you go, a great one! Carole King's Tapestry (which is ranked 36th on Rolling Stone's Greatest Albums of All Time List). We digress for a moment...
Charlie asks, "what's No.1?"
It's the Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.
"Ah yep".
Anyway, alongside a bit of music history education, Olivia learns the names for so many of songs that she knows but didn't know. And she is thrilled to have a hardcopy. The festive feeling kicks on for the rest of the day in the office (at least for Olivia).
Olivia: "That's perfect! I did mention to Joyce that my car only played CDs and I needed a good one".
Well Olivia, there you go, a great one! Carole King's Tapestry (which is ranked 36th on Rolling Stone's Greatest Albums of All Time List). We digress for a moment...
Charlie asks, "what's No.1?"
It's the Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.
"Ah yep".
Anyway, alongside a bit of music history education, Olivia learns the names for so many of songs that she knows but didn't know. And she is thrilled to have a hardcopy. The festive feeling kicks on for the rest of the day in the office (at least for Olivia).
Day 18
Steve's turn this morning! He waits patiently for the crowd to gather. The office moseys over to the advent calendar while Mariah Carey sings her iconic Christmas tune over the speakers.
Once everyone has gathered, Steve rips the question off the wall, "what Christmas related bird has a red chest?"
This is one that people should know, since they heard the answer this time last year.. It's Robin.
Apparently only Fiona was paying attention last year! She's happy to claim her prize.
This is one that people should know, since they heard the answer this time last year.. It's Robin.
Apparently only Fiona was paying attention last year! She's happy to claim her prize.
Time for Steve to pick up his prize.
It's a tea-infuser mug. Steve is thrilled! He bounces with glee.
Day 19
Why wouldn't Alison be happy this morning? She's up on the Advent Calendar today.
Not wasting any time dawdling around, she gets straight into the question: "In the Icelandic language, there are how many words for snow?"
Hmm, a puzzling question. How on earth is anyone meant to know this one?
Well, if they were as interested in languages and linguistics as some, they would know. But that's okay, we had figured this might be the case, so the 'correct' answer was reduced to a ballpark figure.
It becomes a guessing game once again.
Hmm, a puzzling question. How on earth is anyone meant to know this one?
Well, if they were as interested in languages and linguistics as some, they would know. But that's okay, we had figured this might be the case, so the 'correct' answer was reduced to a ballpark figure.
It becomes a guessing game once again.
A copy of Home Alone 2! She loves it! A timeless classic, for some old-fashioned family fun.
Day 20, 21, 22, 23, and 24
It's the last day in the office, so we get to wrap up the advent calendar for the rest of Advent this morning in one fell swoop.
Today Charlie and Di get to collect their gifts, and a few other prizes for correct answers..
First up is Di, who poses the question "Which ocean is Christmas island in?"
It's the Indian, which Nick already knew. Too easy, next!
Today Charlie and Di get to collect their gifts, and a few other prizes for correct answers..
First up is Di, who poses the question "Which ocean is Christmas island in?"
It's the Indian, which Nick already knew. Too easy, next!
Swiftly moving on, Di claims his prize.
Home Alone 1 DVD!
"Oh! This is a great movie! ... But how am I going to watch this?". Di doesn't have a DVD player, which is unfortunate. But worry not, as his playstation will facilitate the enjoyment from this film. Remembering this, Di rejoices.
He's also managed to find a nerf gun somehow. Anyway, he's happy!
Charlie's turn.
"Oh! This is a great movie! ... But how am I going to watch this?". Di doesn't have a DVD player, which is unfortunate. But worry not, as his playstation will facilitate the enjoyment from this film. Remembering this, Di rejoices.
He's also managed to find a nerf gun somehow. Anyway, he's happy!
Charlie's turn.
A jigsaw puzzle of Uluru! Charlie is ecstatic, as he fondly remembers the trip he made to Uluru earlier in the year.
"That's awesome", Charlie exclaims. But there's more.. What's that? Chocolate too! What a lucky guy.
"That's awesome", Charlie exclaims. But there's more.. What's that? Chocolate too! What a lucky guy.
And finally, revealing the mystery Christmas figure behind the last Calendar Day, Wenzel steps in to do the honours on his last day in the office.
The mystery figure is.. Macaulay Culkin (as in Kevin McCallister in Home Alone).
The mystery figure is.. Macaulay Culkin (as in Kevin McCallister in Home Alone).
And the final quiz question is: "In the 1964 classic "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer", what was the name of Rudolph's faithful elf companion?"
No one knows. No one can even hazard a guess.
How disappointing that this magnificent Advent calendar has culminated to this very moment and rather than finishing with a bang, it fizzles..
It's "Hermey".
Oh well, no one gets a chocolate.
Worry not, it's the last day in the office, which means plenty of chocolate was had, many a joke was made, and lots of happiness was shared.
Merry Christmas to All!
Or rather:
All,
Merry Christmas!
Regards,
Adelaide Building Facades Advent Team*
*(Joyce)
No one knows. No one can even hazard a guess.
How disappointing that this magnificent Advent calendar has culminated to this very moment and rather than finishing with a bang, it fizzles..
It's "Hermey".
Oh well, no one gets a chocolate.
Worry not, it's the last day in the office, which means plenty of chocolate was had, many a joke was made, and lots of happiness was shared.
Merry Christmas to All!
Or rather:
All,
Merry Christmas!
Regards,
Adelaide Building Facades Advent Team*
*(Joyce)