Advent calendars are a fun holiday tradition that many families enjoy. But how exactly does an advent calendar work? In this complete guide, as a professional advent calendar printing manufacturer, I’ll explain everything you need to know about advent calendars, including what they are, their history, how they work, and tips for getting the most out of yours.
What is an Advent Calendar?
An advent calendar is a special calendar used to count down the days until Christmas, usually from December 1st through December 24th. The name comes from the Latin word “adventus” meaning “arrival”.
Traditionally, advent calendars have 25 numbered spaces or compartments, one for each day leading up to Christmas. Behind each numbered door, drawer, or flap, there is a holiday-themed image, poem, Bible verse, chocolate or small gift.
Advent calendars help build excitement and anticipation for Christmas. They are especially popular with children, but many adults also enjoy using an advent calendar to make the holiday season more fun.
A Brief History of Advent Calendars
The tradition of advent calendars began in the 19th century in Germany. Back then, German families would mark off the days until Christmas on their doors or walls with chalk.
The first printed advent calendars appeared around the early 1900s. The early advent calendars had religious images and Bible verses behind the doors.
It wasn’t until the 1950s that the idea to put chocolate surprises behind the doors became popular. Over time, advent calendars continued to evolve with all kinds of themes from Lego to beauty products.
Nowadays advent calendars come in all shapes and sizes from simple DIY crafts to elaborate wooden structures overflowing with holiday treats and trinkets. Their immense popularity ensures advent calendars are here to stay.
How Do Advent Calendars Work?
While advent calendars come in many varieties, they all work by revealing something special on each day leading up to Christmas.
Here are the basics of how a traditional paper advent calendar works:
- The calendar contains 24 numbered flaps, drawers or doors. One is for December 1st, another for December 2nd, and so on.
- Behind each numbered flap/drawer there is a little holiday-themed surprise such as a piece of chocolate, toy, beauty product sample, or bible verse.
- Starting on December 1st, you open flap number 1. On December 2nd, flap number 2, and so forth until December 24th.
- By opening one flap per day, you count down the days remaining until Christmas. This builds excitement and anticipation.
- On Christmas Eve or Christmas day, the final flap/drawer is opened. This space often reveals something extra special.
- Once all the doors have been opened, the advent calendar is complete.
Of course, advent calendars aren’t just paper countdowns anymore. Some have toys inside, others contain activities for each day. There are even virtual advent calendars that reveal daily holiday videos, recipes, or songs.
No matter what form your advent calendar takes, the idea is the same—provide little Christmas surprises counting down to the 25th.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Advent Calendar
Here are my top tips to make an advent calendar a cherished family tradition:
Make It a Daily Ritual
Set aside 5-10 minutes each morning or evening to gather together as a family to open that day’s advent surprise. Not only does this create special bonding time, but it builds eager anticipation for Christmas day.
Let The Kids Help Decorate It
If you have a reusable fabric advent calendar or wooden structure, let the kids decorate it with markers, stickers, glitter, etc. Getting them involved from the start makes them even more excited to use the advent calendar daily.
Fill It With Thoughtful Surprises
Fill your advent calendar compartments with a variety of treats—both edible and non. Handmade coupons for hot cocoa, family movie night or baking cookies are just as appreciated as chocolate. Kids also love tiny holiday erasers, stickers, bracelets, and other trinkets.
Make Sure It’s Visible
Place your advent calendar somewhere highly visible as a centerpiece to your other Christmas decor. Having it displayed prominently ensures no one forgets to open the day’s flap or drawer!
DIY Your Own Advent Calendar
Creating a one-of-a-kind advent calendar as a family is not only crafty and fun but makes the actual use of it in December even more special. There are endless creative advent calendar ideas from painting a wooden box to hanging small bags on a garland.
Conclusion
I hope this guide gave you a good understanding of advent calendars—what they are, their history, how they work, and tips for enhancing your family’s experience.
Advent calendars are a delightful way to build Christmas anticipation with little surprises hidden behind each numbered flap or door. Their playful nature reminds both kids and adults to pause and reflect on the deeper meaning of the holiday season.
So break out your advent calendar on December 1st, 2024 and start unwrapping some holiday magic!