Advent Calendars

Advent calendars are a traditional way to keep track of each day during the four weeks of Advent, leading up to Christmas. Advent calendars were first used in Germany to mark the Christian liturgical season in the 19th century. Most Advent calendars have special windows that open for each day of Advent, to show some symbol, photo or Bible verse relating to the impending birth of Jesus.

This page contains information on the various types of Advent calendars, including where to find them.

Wooden Advent calendars are similar to the traditional Advent calendar, but they use wooden ornaments. On each day of Advent, one wooden ornament is removed from the calendar. These ornaments are then added to the Christmas tree.

If you're interested in other aspects of Advent, including the holiday's traditions, check out some of Mahalo's other Advent-related pages, including:

• Advent Candles

• Advent Coloring Pages and Crafts

• Advent Lesson Plans

• Advent Prayers, Liturgies, Readings, Poems and Devotions

• Advent Songs

• Advent Wreaths

1. Richard Sellmer Verlag: History of the Advent Calendar

2. Wikipedia: Advent Calendar

3. About.com: The History of the Advent Calendar

4. BBC: Advent Calendars

5. Old World Christmas: History of the Advent Calendar

6. Times Online: Advent calendar for rich appetites (November 22, 2007)

7. Catholic Supply: Advent Calendars