Every year we do our best to communicate to our clients just how important it is to place orders early in order to reasonably expect delivery by Christmas. Inevitably, on December 22nd or 23rd we receive phone calls from people who are convinced that we can work miracles, perhaps with the aid of a sled and eight tiny reindeer. This year we decided to put our countdown front and center, not to December 25th, but to the last shipping date we feel is likely to guarantee delivery in time for the big day.  Starting from today, this Advent calendar of sorts will accompany the subscribers to our newsletter for the following 25 days. Each day will offer gift ideas or helpful hints for the holiday season and Wednesdays will bring the usual recipe from our archive. Once we've arrived at the last useful day for Christmas deliveries (December 16th) the daily communications will stop and we will revert to our standard biweekly messages. Will we ship after December 16th? Of course, if that is your request, but we want to be quite clear that arrival in time for Christmas is unlikely after that date.