Being away from home at Christmas will be odd. I'm trying to help Anne keep in the spirit though. I've bought her a big plastic bowl. Each day of December, up until Christmas Eve, I get her to punch a hole in the botton of the bowl using a spike. Eventually, with 24 holes in the bowl it'll be suitable for draining boiled vegies and pasta.
Despite her initial scepticism, I think Anne likes her Advent Colander.
(In case you were wondering, we have free internet in our Wellington hostel.)