[buro9]

An advent calendar was my immediate thought when I saw it.

Do you not have those in the US? Basically each window opens onto a Christmas scene, and for kids advent calendars usually have chocolate behind the windows.

http://www.google.co.uk/images?q=advent+calendar

[ejames]

Advent calendars are known in the U.S. as well, although I can't vouch for how widespread they are.