The excitement of having an advent calendar hasn’t worn off over the years. Opening one of the tiny perforated windows each morning leading up to Christmas is still a highlight of the festive season. This year’s calendar shows a glorious jewel-coloured scene of the three kings presenting their gifts to Mary and the baby Jesus. Six miniature pictures have been unveiled so far.

I can still remember the first advent calendar my brother and I had, when I was about five years old. Our mother offered it to us as something precious, explaining how it worked. We tossed a coin, as of course we both wanted to go first. But whoever went second had the consolation prize of opening the usually double-doored last window on Christmas Eve. The calendar was propped up on the bright orange sideboard in the breakfast room and was something we looked forward to each day.

The magical image on this year’s advent calendar is by Margaret Tarrant; I’m sure she’s responsible for others we had as children, too. I bought the calendar at a Christmas fair in the gardens of the British Ambassador’s residence, from a rather po-faced woman who didn’t seem to get my delight at finding such a rarity here in Buenos Aires.

Now, there is a connection to this shot from Recoleta Cemetery. When I got home and saw this photo on my computer, it reminded me of Margaret Tarrant’s compositions, with the warm glow of sunshine, sense of enchanted lands and kindly representation of Jesus. I’ve called this one Jesus & double cross for the reflection of the crucifix that’s caught in the door pane propped against the wall. This time, the reflection is alongside what’s in front of me. If the glass had been in situ, it would have been quite another story.