The holiday season is a time of joy and celebration, and one of the most beloved traditions during this time is the advent calendar. Advent calendars are a fun and festive way to count down the days until Christmas, while also indulging in some sweet treats and surprises along the way. In this article, we’ll explore the history of the Advent calendar, different types of advent calendars, and how you can make your own advent calendar.
History of the Advent Calendar
The advent calendar has its roots in Germany, where Protestants would light a candle or mark a chalk line on their doors to count down the days until Christmas. The first known advent calendar was created in the early 1900s by a German Protestant named Gerhard Lang. Lang’s advent calendar featured 24 tiny pictures that could be pasted onto a cardboard backing, with a window to be opened for each day leading up to Christmas. The tradition of advent calendars quickly caught on in Germany and spread to other countries, with various types of calendars and surprises added over the years.
Types of Advent Calendars
There are many different types of advent calendars available today, each with their own unique features and surprises. Here are some of the most popular types:
- Chocolate Advent Calendars – Chocolate advent calendars are perhaps the most common type of advent calendar. These calendars feature 24 windows, each of which contains a small piece of chocolate in a festive shape or design.
- Toy Advent Calendars – Toy advent calendars are a great option for children who prefer toys to chocolate. These calendars feature 24 windows, each of which contains a small toy or trinket.
- Beauty Advent Calendars – Beauty advent calendars have become increasingly popular in recent years, particularly among adults. These calendars feature 24 windows, each of which contains a beauty or skincare product.
- DIY Advent Calendars – DIY advent calendars are a fun and creative way to personalize your countdown to Christmas. These calendars can be made using a variety of materials, such as paper bags, envelopes, or small boxes, and can be filled with whatever surprises you choose.
- Book Advent Calendars – Book advent calendars are a great way to instill a love of reading in children while also counting down to Christmas. These calendars feature 24 wrapped books, with one to be opened and read each day leading up to Christmas.
Making Your Own Advent Calendar
Making your own advent calendar can be a fun and rewarding project, and it allows you to personalize your countdown to Christmas with your favorite treats and surprises. Here are some steps to get you started:
- Choose Your Materials – Decide on what materials you’d like to use for your advent calendar. Some popular options include paper bags, envelopes, small boxes, or even fabric pockets.
- Decide on Your Surprises – Think about what you’d like to include in your advent calendar. This could be anything from small toys and candy to inspirational quotes and family activities.
- Number Your Calendar – Number each of your advent calendar pockets or boxes with the corresponding date, starting with December 1st.
- Fill Your Calendar – Fill each pocket or box with a surprise for each day leading up to Christmas.
- Display Your Calendar – Display your advent calendar in a prominent location in your home, such as on a mantel or in the kitchen, so that you can enjoy the countdown to Christmas each day.
Conclusion
The advent calendar is a beloved holiday tradition that has been around for over a century. With so many different types of advent calendars available, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you choose a chocolate advent calendar, a toy advent calendar, or make your own DIY advent calendar,
