Although many parents use advent calendars as a way to build anticipation for Christmas in their children, the tradition is tied to Christianity and dates back to the 19th century, when German Lutherans counted down the days until Christmas with chalk on doors or lit candles.
Advent itself has been celebrated since the 4th century. “Advent”, which is derived from the Latin word arrivalmeaning “arrival,” it used to be a time for Christian converts to prepare for their upcoming baptism, but over time it became associated with the day Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, December 25.
By the 20th century, German manufacturers began making advent calendars aimed at children, and they began to become popular in the United States in the 1940s, when American GIs stationed in Germany sent them home as gifts for their children. Advent calendars have become even more popular when Newsweek magazine published a photo of President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s grandsons playing with an Advent calendar in 1953.
The first chocolate advent calendar was produced by the British confectionery company Cadbury in 1958, and over the years advent calendars have become more elaborate, with calendars featuring toys, sweets (including chocolate, of course!), small samples of food and drink, beauty products, dolls, jewelry and more. subjects intended for adults and children. Some of these options can be expensive, but it’s the rare child who isn’t happy with even a simple countdown calendar. It’s worth noting that reusable calendars can contain any type of small item you want, from inexpensive candy to toys to loving notes that spread non-commercial holiday cheer.
Advent calendars are often appreciated by parents because they prevent endless questions about when Christmas is coming and when presents can be opened. For younger children, advent calendars are great for introducing numbers, sequencing, patterns and counting. And for everyone, these calendars are a fun way to make December a little more fun and something to look forward to every year.