Alexandra Kathryn Mosca — Exploring Life and Death: A Writer's Journey

This holiday season, I noticed a sparkling pink box that felt more like a time capsule than a toy: the FAO Schwarz Barbie Advent Calendar. After reading Renee Rosen’s Let’s Call Her Barbie, I’ve been thinking a lot about Barbie—her history, her contradictions, and her power to shape and reflect who we are. This calendar feels like a hands-on way to keep that story going. This calendar feels like a way to keep that story alive.

The first tab contained a new Barbie doll. Tab two held an adorably festive skirt, and this morning I found a fabulous pair of shoes behind tab number three.

Every time I open a tab, it feels like opening a tiny door. A molded bodysuit becomes a top. A pair of sunglasses suggests change. A puppy companion reminds me that joy can be simple. It’s more than just fashion; it’s about transformation, choice, and the thrill of becoming someone new.

As a child, I loved Advent calendars. I liked the quiet routine of opening each door, finding a little surprise, and counting down to something special. Back then, it was chocolate or stickers. Now, it’s Barbie accessories, but the feeling is the same. There’s still anticipation, wonder, and the sense that something special is just behind the next flap.

When I was a child, I loved Advent calendars. I enjoyed the quiet routine of opening each door, finding a small surprise, and counting down to something special. Back then, it was chocolate or stickers. Now, it’s Barbie accessories, but the feeling hasn’t changed. There’s still anticipation, wonder, and the sense that something beautiful is waiting just behind the next flap.

Reading Rosen’s novel changed how I see Barbie. She isn’t just a plastic doll, but a symbol of possibility. The main character, shaped by Barbie’s story and image, made me see that we all have parts of ourselves waiting to be found. The FAO Schwarz calendar helps me do that, one accessory at a time.

Reading Rosen’s novel reinforced how I see Barbie. She’s not just a plastic ideal, but a symbol of possibility. The main character, shaped by Barbie’s story and image, made me realize that we all have parts of ourselves waiting to be discovered.

Each tab I open feels like a small doorway. A molded bodysuit turns into a top. A pair of sunglasses hints at change. A puppy companion reminds me that joy can be simple. It’s not just about fashion; it’s about transformation, choice, and the excitement of becoming someone new.

This isn’t just play. It’s about legacy. It’s about letting go of the girl I was and celebrating the woman I am now. Fashion tells stories, style holds memories, and Barbie inspires it all.

Fashion becomes a way to tell stories, style holds memories, and Barbie inspires it all.

So here’s to the countdown, to the pink tabs and the sparkling surprises. Here’s to the stories we share through what we wear and who we become. And to Barbie, always ready to rest and rise again.