What Is An Advent Calendar?

Advent calendars are special calendars used to prepare for the celebration of Christmas. The purpose of the advent calendar is to mark the 24 days before Christmas day and to bring the festive spirit to the household. Each day of the calendar has a new marker in it, including either a door, window, or a number that reveals a special activity or gift, easily found in a store or even made at home. The calendar presents a series of activities or little gifts linked to the season that are meant to bring an element of joy and anticipation to mark down the days counting to Christmas.

The Origin of the Advent Calendar

The first recorded uses of Advent calendars are from German Lutherans who, as early as 1851, used chalk to mark the 24 days leading up to the Christmas. Later in 1908, a church in Bavaria published the world’s first commercial advent calendar that became widely used across all of Germany. This was followed in the late 1950s by the most common form of modern product we are now used to, cardboard cut-outs filled with small images or treats.

The Benefits of an Advent Calendar

The countdown to Christmas can be an exciting day-to-day experience for any family, allowing for extra time fun, focused activities, gifts and treats. Whether you buy a simple paper calendar or make your own, providing a daily surprise makes the holiday season just that much more meaningful. The advent calendar provides delightful surprises throughout the month that allow children and adults alike to feel anticipatory and prepared for the upcoming holiday. Most of all, it directs our attention back to one of the greatest Christian festivals and reminds us of the necessity to focus on love, charity and compassion in our lives.

Overall advent calendars provide an element of fun, convenience and spirituality to our Christmas festivities. They are an easy way to stay involved with the culture of Christmas whilst getting creative and of course adding a fun, easily enjoyed seasonal treat!