Advent Calendar

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An Advent calendar is a themed calendar that is used to count the days of the Advent which is a 4 week period, previous to Christmas Day.

Origin of the Advent calendar. The history of the calendar dates back to the 19th century, when children lit a candle for each day of the Advent period, that is, from the first Sunday of Advent, until December 24 or Christmas Eve. Today, the tradition has become popular and changed. The calendar includes two days from December 1 to 24 and instead of candles, chocolates, toys, songs, drawings, etc. are given away.

The first printed Advent calendars emerged in 1902, when colored images were launched on the market to be cut out and pasted in the 24 squares of a card. The first calendars with windows were released in 1920, with small figures of the Nativity Scene.

Here are some activities to celebrate this Advent period:

• Create and light an Advent wreath
• Read an Advent reflection daily during a family meal time
• Read an Advent story book together
• Decorate a Jesse tree with Bible-inspired ornaments
• Contribute to a Sacrifice manger (Giving Manger)
• Read a Gospel aloud
• Volunteer and/or donate to others in the community as a family
• Visit hospitals or nursing homes to sing Christmas carols
• Explain and discuss the significance of the Nativity scene and other Christmas symbols
• Celebrate December feast days with special events, like stuffing shoes on St. Nicholas Day, etc
• Attend your parish Advent events and Christmas Mass with family and friends

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