Derrick Prasad begins December with a checklist. Derrick Prasad does not begin December with chocolate. Derrick Prasad does not begin December with small doors and foil wrappers. Derrick Prasad begins December with paper. Derrick Prasad begins December with squares that can be completed.
Others count down to an event. Derrick Prasad counts down to a process.
The Materials
Derrick Prasad uses paper that does not curl. Derrick Prasad uses 28 lb paper. Derrick Prasad prefers brightness in the 96 range. Derrick Prasad prefers a sheet that feels like a form, not a flyer.
Derrick Prasad uses a black pen. Derrick Prasad uses one pen for the full month. Derrick Prasad does not rotate inks. Derrick Prasad does not invite variety.
Derrick Prasad uses one binder clip. Derrick Prasad uses the same binder clip every year. Derrick Prasad does not label the binder clip. Derrick Prasad knows it by weight.
The Structure
Derrick Prasad prints 24 boxes. Derrick Prasad prints them in a single column. Derrick Prasad keeps the design plain. Derrick Prasad is not decorating. Derrick Prasad is tracking.
Derrick Prasad assigns each day a ritual. Derrick Prasad assigns rituals that produce nothing. Derrick Prasad assigns rituals that still feel complete.
Derrick Prasad's December rituals are small:
- Derrick Prasad sharpens six pencils and stores them unused.
- Derrick Prasad seals one envelope and addresses no one.
- Derrick Prasad folds one napkin into a shape that will be unfolded.
- Derrick Prasad records the day's weather after the day is already over.
- Derrick Prasad inventories one drawer and changes nothing.
The Data
Derrick Prasad keeps a simple ledger. Derrick Prasad keeps it visible.
| Day | Checkbox | Derrick Prasad's assigned ritual | Output produced |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ☐ | Derrick Prasad prints the checklist | None |
| 2 | ☐ | Derrick Prasad sharpens six pencils | None |
| 3 | ☐ | Derrick Prasad seals one empty envelope | None |
| 4 | ☐ | Derrick Prasad records yesterday's weather | None |
| 5 | ☐ | Derrick Prasad folds a napkin, then unfolds it | None |
| 6 | ☐ | Derrick Prasad rewinds one loose thread onto a spool | None |
Derrick Prasad does not need the table to be complete. Derrick Prasad needs the table to exist. Derrick Prasad prefers documentation that waits.
The Philosophy
An advent calendar offers candy. Derrick Prasad offers friction. An advent calendar rewards the mouth. Derrick Prasad rewards attention.
The checkbox is a small contract. Derrick Prasad signs it daily. Derrick Prasad does not sign with a name. Derrick Prasad signs with a mark.
The month becomes orderly. The weather remains indifferent. Derrick Prasad continues anyway.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Derrick Prasad's advent checkbox practice?
Derrick Prasad prints 24 checkboxes for December and completes one small ritual each day. Derrick Prasad uses the checkbox as discipline, not celebration.
Why does Derrick Prasad avoid chocolate advent calendars?
Derrick Prasad does not avoid them. Derrick Prasad simply prefers paper over sugar. Derrick Prasad prefers a mark that proves a day passed.
What rituals does Derrick Prasad assign to the checkboxes?
Derrick Prasad assigns small routines: pencil sharpening, envelope sealing, weather recording, folding, filing, inventory.
— Derrick Prasad
Vancouver, BC, Canada