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11/19/2008: The Advent Calendar is almost here. :o

Tough to believe that we’re about a week and a half away from the 2008 Advent Calendar! Now, truth time: I know that not all of the site’s core readers bother with the Advent Calendar. I’d say half of them do, at best. I hope that number will increase this year, but even if not, hey, it’s pretty nice that even that many people count it among their holiday traditions. Plus, talking through Waiterbot really helps relieve my stress.

I don’t know how to explain the Advent Calendar to those who’ve never read it. What started off simply has now grown so complicated that, frankly, even I have trouble remembering the continuity. The best way to understand the Advent Calendar is by reading it, so below are links to the first six editions. You need to read all of them to “get” it, but note that the real storyline-driven Advent Calendars didn’t begin until 2004.

The Advent Calendar: 2002.
The Advent Calendar: 2003.
The Advent Calendar: 2004.
The Advent Calendar: 2005.
The Advent Calendar: 2006.
The Advent Calendar: 2007.

After spending so many holiday seasons with these characters, it’s hard for me to picture Christmas without them. Every year, my only goal is to top the previous story. Considering that last year’s Advent Calendar featured a human-sized rabbit and James Lipton turning his “hand cavities” into flame throwers, we’re probably in for some fucked up shit this December.


Posted by Matt. E-mail me!

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Discussion Thread: 116 comments

I’ve always enjoyed your site, but the Advent Calendar is the pinnacle of what you do. Well, that and your trips to AC. If you ever start playing poker at the Taj, you’ll never lack for creepy stories. ;)

Ghosted by Jim @ 11/20/2008 11:26 AM EST

I must have missed something by not reading the comments the last few days – where is this assumption that a good percentage of Matt’s ‘regular’ readers DON’T read the Advent Calendar coming from? Is this coming from the fact that the number of comments per post have dropped? That’s not because of people deciding not to read the AC, that’s because Matt’s been posting more often so there aren’t several days to a week’s worth of comments per post!

Sorry, just had to say something about that. Think I’ll take my crabby ass back to bed now. ;)

Keep doing the good work, Matt. :)

Ghosted by Moony @ 11/20/2008 11:33 AM EST

NOTHING says Christmas like the X-Entertainment Advent Calendar. Not eggnog, or limited edition Febreeze scents, or Santas on street corners. The X-E AC trumps all.

Thanks for doing this for all of us every year, Matt. If and when Playmobil finally spits out it’s last Mare, it’s going to take some getting used to.

I actually have a real fondness for the old Calendars, especially the Advert and the original ‘02 one, which I remember checking excitedly for updates every day (even at the end ;) ). Amazing to think it’ll be 7 years of Adventing. (BTW I am SHOCKED to hear that not everybody reads them. WTF is wrong with y’all?)

Couple random notes from a trip to Target:

~The “stranz” version of the Oball is distinct from the regular version, which is all loops. Also of note, if you’ve got a couple of chihuahuas standing around in a huddle, you can bowl the Oball at them to hilarious results.

~As it happened all too many times last year, there were plenty of bottles of regular 7-Up with snowflakes all up on ‘em, but no Pom flavor. I had the best luck at Albertson’s last year, I think I’ll try there next.

Ghosted by squee4242 @ 11/20/2008 11:49 AM EST

I don’t care what anyone says, I still miss the Advert Calendars. Where else was I going to relive the terror of Ronald McDonald ice skating in my adult years?

But I too am overjoyed that we are just 10 short days away from seeing Knacks’ cute little plastic butt on the computer monitor (omg, don’t tell him I said that!).

Ghosted by Special K @ 11/20/2008 11:50 AM EST

I miss the Advert Calendars, too. :( If I had enough material to do them, I would, but I don’t want to just pillage stuff from YouTube — I like to “introduce” them to the web myself. :) I’ll see if I can find a few more before D-Day, though.

Ghosted by Matt @ 11/20/2008 11:59 AM EST

Matt, your Advent Calendar has become one of my most cherished holiday traditions. I’m not kidding. I’m also planning to use your stuffed mushrooms recipe at Thanksgiving. You posted it back in 2004, but I haven’t made it yet because my husband hates mushrooms. Since I’m hosting Thanksgiving at our house this year, I want to impress my in-laws with kickass appetizers. They’re not mushroom-a-phobes, so now’s my chance.

Ghosted by Annie @ 11/20/2008 12:40 PM EST

The very first advent calendar got me through some boring lessons at college. The 2003 calendar was the highlight of that december.

I can safely say that the XE advent calendar is the highlight of my december, to the point that I dread christmas day because I don’t want the story to end. It even inspired me to do my own similar thing I called Lepoard Diaries, but sadly my main character broke and I lost interest.

I can’t wait to see what new adventures and misfortunes will befall Knacks, Kuse and co. I know this year’s will be as epic as the last.

Ghosted by Vyle @ 11/20/2008 12:50 PM EST

I’ve been so busy at work lately that I just now got to read all of the updated Christmas posts. I’m so excited and happy that it’s finally time. My wife and I decorated about a week ago.

What ever happened to running the advert calendar? I love that one too.

Ghosted by Fox @ 11/20/2008 1:11 PM EST

Hey Matt, December 23 is already up. It’s giving me a link of: http://dinosaurdracula.com/batribII/

Ghosted by mysteryd8 @ 11/20/2008 1:20 PM EST

And on that note, I’m one of the regulars who has never read the advent calendar. I’m playing catchup…now.

Ghosted by mysteryd8 @ 11/20/2008 1:46 PM EST

I’m home sick today. I think I will read all of the old calendars for fun.

mysteryd8
Check out the box 23 thread..I’m sure there are already a million theories about those pics. :)

Ghosted by Cameron T. @ 11/20/2008 1:48 PM EST

I’ve been looking forward to the Advent Calendar, as I have been reading it every year since the beginning. In fact, I saw the Playmobile Advent Calendar in a store last week, and I was severely tempted to look at it in hopes of discovering what might be in store for us this year, but I refrained.

Ghosted by Frostor @ 11/20/2008 1:59 PM EST

Moony I honestly started reading it only last year. I just thought I wouldn’t be as interested in a story with characters as much as Matt’s articles. I will continue to read it though. And Matt can see detailed statistics on every website on this site. So I think that is where it came from. Literally seeing that the counter on those pages don’t get as many hits as his blog for example.

Our local walmart started stocking Pom 7up! When the cashier was ringing it up she was surprised to see it. I explained (while a fat walmart cashier from another register kept on interrupting me with excitement) that this is a reoccurring holiday limited edition soda. She said that after her shift she was going to buy some. I said it’s not like a big investment lady if you don’t like it it’s not like a big loss lol!!

And I went off on a little rant about Sierra Mist Cranberry Splash not being in the area. I still got my three bottles waiting to be opened. The label is so pretty. I honestly think we are just going to pig out on KFC for thanksgiving or something along those lines. He works so I don’t know how that will turn out. I have no clue if they are open or not on Thanksgiving but if they aren’t then I can just get the cheaper alternative at walmart.

Ghosted by Goob @ 11/20/2008 2:08 PM EST

I never really anticipate the Advent Calendar because it seems like in the first two years people took it way too seriously.

Ghosted by palmerholic @ 11/20/2008 2:34 PM EST

Okay, I will quietly confess that I often lose track during advent calendar season. Also the box 23 stuff last year was way over my head, and I felt intimidated by the people that were so good at cracking everything. I figured if I couldnt participate, I wouldnt know what was going on. It was so complex.

I kept up in 04 and 05, lost track halfway through in 06 and last year I got about a week into it before I gave up.

I am going to catch up on Saturday and try to give it another go.

Ghosted by Amy @ 11/20/2008 2:42 PM EST

The advent calendar is one of the things I look forward to most at Christmas. It’s in the league with Christmas Story, Charlie Brown, Rudolph, etc. I can’t beleive that there is anyone that doesn’t read the advent calendar. If you don’t read it you don’t know what you’re missing!

Ghosted by Y2JB78 @ 11/20/2008 2:48 PM EST

I think the Advent part of X-E deserves it’s own part of the main page. It’s a beast of it’s own now.

Can’t wait to see more “Vlllloooogggss” from Waiterbot. I still feel bad about imagining him sounding like Robert Goulet. :|

Ghosted by Bill @ 11/20/2008 2:55 PM EST

Sorry for the double.

Matt, put up your wish list soon. I am trying to finish my shopping before the end of next week. I can’t believe that might happen this year!

Ghosted by Bill @ 11/20/2008 2:57 PM EST

coconut crabs huh? can’t wait!

Ghosted by theyav @ 11/20/2008 3:03 PM EST

SO EXCITED!

Ghosted by Sami @ 11/20/2008 3:17 PM EST

I just realized I will miss the first few entries of the AC because I’ll be in Texas. Oh, why can’t my fiancé’s family have decent internet access??

Ghosted by DarkSideofBrightness @ 11/20/2008 3:37 PM EST

i like how you can actually see the evolution of the characters in the 2003 calendar . Keep up the nice work we know your a busy man and appreciate what you do for total strangers . So if a strange man happens to play grab ass with ya dont worry its just me :P

Ghosted by Starscream77 @ 11/20/2008 3:46 PM EST

Batrib II: Electric Boogaloo!

Ghosted by kingklash @ 11/20/2008 3:52 PM EST

Okay, I just finished with the first Calendar. I’m holding off on the next one for a bit but wonder if we ever find out what’s in the final boxes for December?

Ghosted by mysteryd8 @ 11/20/2008 4:47 PM EST

I always loved the Advert Calendars personally. I was bummed to see them go, but I am a BIG Ad geek, especially older ads. Everytime I see an Ad posted on the blog by Matt, I scoop it up in my arms and hold it close to me….er…nevermind. =)

Ghosted by JestAGoof @ 11/20/2008 4:54 PM EST

I really love writing about old commercials, especially when they’re Christmas-related. If anyone has any they’d like to donate, please e-mail me!

Ghosted by Matt @ 11/20/2008 4:58 PM EST

Oh, I almost forgot…as you can begin to see Matt, you are a part of many people’s annual Christmas tradition, including myself. Keep up the spirit and see that all who read this site enjoy the Christmas merriment!

Ghosted by JestAGoof @ 11/20/2008 5:01 PM EST

Tresjolie: I have a few days off, so I might try getting a basic Wiki together on there, if other people will help chip in to maintain and add content to it. Also, assuming Matt’s cool with us doing that; I wouldn’t want to make one if he has a problem with it.

How do you pronounce your name, BTW? In my mind it’s “treys jolly”, and makes me think of Christmas even more…

Ghosted by DrSketch @ 11/20/2008 5:22 PM EST

The Advent calendar is definitely one of my favorite things about Christmas. I can’t wait for another Advent-ure!

Ghosted by glowsocks @ 11/20/2008 6:04 PM EST

Matt, Hare and Claire might find a way out. Bill and Ted did. I want to see the Lego Advent Calendar. I’m sure
this year’s AC will be a success, just like the other
ones.

Ghosted by LoneStar76 @ 11/20/2008 6:47 PM EST

Well, I finally put my tree up today! A couple days before that, I put my stocking up too. Iv’e also managed to get some lights up indoors as well. Next up, some Christmas figurines. HO HO HO!

Ghosted by ULTRAMAN @ 11/20/2008 6:49 PM EST

I’ve lost track of the continuity – but I still read it every day in December and love it all the same.

In fact, I think I’m going to go reread them ALL.

Ghosted by Molly @ 11/20/2008 7:40 PM EST

DrSketch, the proper french, trey-jolie, although I have no issues with people who want to pronounce it other ways, Tres Jolly (as in very jolly), that is a good one for this season.

I would also be willing to help with a wikki devoted to the advent calendar. It would take time, but it would be fun to create a guide to all.

Ghosted by Tresjolie9 @ 11/20/2008 7:43 PM EST

Although Matt just posted it, I still think an honest to goodness wiki is in order to truly archive the Advent Calendar.

Ghosted by The Manimal @ 11/20/2008 8:10 PM EST

Re: Wiki — Our pal Guise actually e-mailed to ask me if I would mind if he started one, and of course I wouldn’t. (I think this means he gets first dibs!) I’m more than willing to upload the stuff needed to run it so it can be on-site, if anyone wants to help with that?

Ghosted by Matt @ 11/20/2008 8:13 PM EST

I can’t really begin to explain how much I love your website. Christmas hasn’t really been the same since I “grew up.” Time goes by too fast and the holidays aren’t nearly as fun as they used to be. I try to catch holiday specials on television but I always seem to miss them.

The one tradition that I have kept up with over the years is the Advent Calendar. It is now my favorite holiday tradition (well next to the family and the gifts and the Jesus and such…). Thanks Matt!!!

Ghosted by BobbyA @ 11/20/2008 8:13 PM EST

I’ve read this site for years now, i check it every day, and never once commented.. not its time to come out from my cave.

this statement makes me VERY sad panda: “Now, truth time: I know that not all of the site’s core readers bother with the Advent Calendar”

I LOVE the advent calendar and seriously look forward to it every year. It reminds me of the chocolate filled advent calendars my grandma used to give me every Christmas with only 3 differences.. 1) Matt isn’t my grandma(needless to say this is a big one) 2) I can’t just go and sneak the next day’s prize out 3) its filled with funny

Its given me so much, and honestly it helped me through a very tough time in my life last year.. but other then that sappy stuff its also made it impossible to see James Lipton on TV at all and not yell “SPLENDIFFORUS!”

Ghosted by M @ 11/20/2008 8:17 PM EST

I never met my grandma on my Dad’s side… Matt COULD be my grandma… I’m just saying…

Ghosted by BobbyA @ 11/20/2008 8:19 PM EST

The x-e advent calendar is my Christmas tradition. Well that and watching the “A Christmas Story” marathon but besides that…

Ghosted by Darth Poop @ 11/20/2008 8:20 PM EST

What I’m dying to know is how they got on without a Santa this year! It’s been eating at me since December 29th!

Garr, year without a Santa Claus!!!!

My brain!!!!

Ghosted by Captain Will @ 11/20/2008 8:40 PM EST

Do any ya’ll know when that new cartoon about the Miser Brothers is supposed to be on? I REALLY wanna see it!

Ghosted by ULTRAMAN @ 11/20/2008 9:05 PM EST

I love the Advent Calendar.
This will be my second year.
Last year was just so awesomely great- especially creating a bond with all the Advent-urers- solving mysteries, doodling foul things…

I am sad that I can’t join in the capacity like I did last year, but I will be watching- clutching my little Hssxlllo and randomly inserting bouts of insanity- and enjoying the madness of the Calendar.

Matt…
I’m pretty sure I told ya that I loved ya…
so… yeah, in case you fergot.

You’re the coolest dood I never met.

Ghosted by kittymao @ 11/20/2008 9:07 PM EST

I too can’t believe that the regulars don’t read the Advent Calendar. Doesn’t make any sense. I have been reading since 2003 (although I got WAY too far behind in 2006 and had to give up). Last year, I went back and read them again. Sad to say, I really had forgotten much of the details.

I remember when Knacks and Kuse were introduced and thinking, “Okay, are we supposed to know these guys?” :)

Godspeed Advent-Wiki, Godspeed.

Ghosted by The Manimal @ 11/20/2008 9:13 PM EST

Ooh, glad to hear that Guise, will be starting one, he is the current advent guru!

Ghosted by Tresjolie9 @ 11/20/2008 9:28 PM EST

Ah, thanks for the guide, Matt. Can’t wait for December.

Ghosted by mezzanine @ 11/20/2008 9:37 PM EST

I cannot freaking *wait* for this year’s calendar.

Ghosted by Jessica Marie @ 11/20/2008 9:40 PM EST

I’ve been a fan of this site for a long time. I can’t remember what brought me here or what my first article was, but I do remember the first advent calendar. But I left, for some reason, and just started coming back regularly this year. I will go back and read the calendars and immerse myself in this year’s advent-ure. I’m excited.

Ghosted by Teddy Ray @ 11/20/2008 10:12 PM EST

@ Amy: as someone who was really into last years mystery (but sadly won’t me much help this yr. due to a new job) PLEASE don’t EVER feel intimidated by the Advent-turers! We welcome any and all, whether you are as nuts as Guise or just popping in, feel free to help out in any way. We’re just an extension of one big, extremely dysfunctional family that Matt happens to be the ringleader of. Him, and the giant alien bunnies that want to take over the earth.

Ghosted by Ann @ 11/20/2008 10:28 PM EST

I will be honest and say the advent calendar, and halloween are the reasons I come to the site. This time of year my X-E viewing goes way up. I cant wait for the calendar to begin again. One time I even tried buying one to mess around with myself, but seeing all the stuff unstuffed in their little boxes ruined it all.

-Tim

Ghosted by LordSorrow @ 11/20/2008 10:31 PM EST

I’ve actually been lurking for a long time, was brought here after googling the Super Mario Brother Super Show some time around 2002. Lurked, read, and enjoyed the articles. Unfortunately, due to being relegated to dial up for awhile, I didn’t discover the Advent Calendar till 06.

Ghosted by Tresjolie9 @ 11/20/2008 10:44 PM EST

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