An Advent calendar is a poster or card with twenty-four small doors, one to be opened each day from 1st December until Christmas Eve. Each door conceals a picture. Every morning children open one window of the calendar to see a pretty picture or find a chocolate inside. Nowadays they have small prizes or toys inside for kids.
It’s the countdown until Christmas.
They come in a multitude of forms, from a simple paper calendar with flaps covering each of the days to fabric pockets on a background scene to painted wooden boxes with cubby holes for small items.
Often, each door has a Bible verse and Christian prayer printed on it, which Christians incorporate as part of their daily Advent devotions.
How to use an advent calendar?
Amid the busyness of the season, it can be difficult to remember to stop and take a break from shopping, decorating, and baking for some time together to reflect upon the true reason we celebrate this season. This time is important, so cherish these moments together. Enjoy your family’s advent traditions (or start fresh this year) with some simple steps.
Picking an advent calendar.
Choose an advent calendar you love. This may be something for a small child or for a grown adult. There’s so many to choose from these days. They come with legos, dolls, or other small toys for children to teas, wine, and beer for adults.
Pick a time
Then select a time each day to connect and spend time as a family around the calendar. Talk about your day and add a blessing you encountered or maybe a good deed you did that day. Rememering the true meaning of Christmas, which is the birth of Jesus Christ.
History
Advent calendars have their roots in the 19th century, when German Protestants started taking creative steps to mark the days leading up to Christmas, like ticking off chalk marks on walls or doors, lighting candles and placing straws in a Nativity crib.
Fun facts
- Advent calendars filled with chocolate were first available in 1958.
- The first printed calendar was a clock.
- Calendars were given as gifts.
- Advent calendars almost ended in WWII due to a paper shortage.