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| Blogger: Amber Lemus |
As the holiday season approaches, many of us are eagerly anticipating the joy and magic of Christmas. One beloved tradition that helps build excitement for the big day is the Advent calendar. But have you ever wondered where this charming custom came from?
The origins of Advent calendars date back to 19th-century Germany, where Christians would mark the days leading up to Christmas with chalk marks on their doors or walls. This tradition was known as the "Nikolauskalender" and was used to help children countdown to Christmas and prepare their hearts for the birth of Jesus.
The first commercial Advent calendars were produced in Germany in the early 20th century. These calendars typically had 24 small doors or windows, one for each day leading up to Christmas Eve. Behind each door, children would find a Bible verse, prayer, or hymn to reflect on as they prepared for Christmas.
After World War II, Advent calendars became more widely available and their popularity spread throughout Europe and beyond. Companies like Gerhard Lang and Richard Sellmer began mass-producing Advent calendars, making them more accessible to the general public.
In the 1970s and 1980s, Advent calendars began to be produced in countries outside of Germany, such as the United States, Canada, and the UK. This led to a diversification of designs, themes, and contents. Calendars began to feature popular children's characters, such as Disney and Sesame Street, and included small toys, stickers, and other treats.
In recent years, there has been a trend towards more creative and interactive Advent calendars. Examples include calendars with pop-up scenes, calendars with puzzles or games to solve, and calendars with augmented reality (AR) features. There has also been a growth in the popularity of alternative Advent calendars, such as wine Advent calendars, chocolate Advent calendars, and even pet Advent calendars.
Whether you're a child or an adult, using an Advent calendar is a great way to slow down and savor the holiday season. It's a reminder to focus on the true meaning of Christmas and to cherish the time with loved ones.
Two-time winner of the Christian Indie Award, Amber Lemus writes enthralling non-fiction for children and adults alike. She has a passion for travel, history, books and her Savior, so her writing is centered around faith, family and history.
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| Photo by Markus Spiske |
The origins of Advent calendars date back to 19th-century Germany, where Christians would mark the days leading up to Christmas with chalk marks on their doors or walls. This tradition was known as the "Nikolauskalender" and was used to help children countdown to Christmas and prepare their hearts for the birth of Jesus.
The first commercial Advent calendars were produced in Germany in the early 20th century. These calendars typically had 24 small doors or windows, one for each day leading up to Christmas Eve. Behind each door, children would find a Bible verse, prayer, or hymn to reflect on as they prepared for Christmas.
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| A 1946 Advent Calendar By Marianne Schneegans - Photo Credit: Nachlass von Marianne Schneegans |
After World War II, Advent calendars became more widely available and their popularity spread throughout Europe and beyond. Companies like Gerhard Lang and Richard Sellmer began mass-producing Advent calendars, making them more accessible to the general public.
In the 1970s and 1980s, Advent calendars began to be produced in countries outside of Germany, such as the United States, Canada, and the UK. This led to a diversification of designs, themes, and contents. Calendars began to feature popular children's characters, such as Disney and Sesame Street, and included small toys, stickers, and other treats.
Today, Advent calendars are more popular than ever, with a wide range of designs, themes, and contents available. Many companies, from small independent publishers to large multinational corporations, produce Advent calendars. The rise of e-commerce and online shopping has also made it easier for consumers to access and purchase Advent calendars from around the world. From traditional paper calendars to wooden or fabric ones, and even digital versions, there's something for everyone. Many calendars also include small treats, toys, or activities behind each door, adding an extra layer of excitement to the countdown.
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Advent Calendar at the City Hall in Stollberg, Saxon Kora27, CC BY-SA 4.0 |
In recent years, there has been a trend towards more creative and interactive Advent calendars. Examples include calendars with pop-up scenes, calendars with puzzles or games to solve, and calendars with augmented reality (AR) features. There has also been a growth in the popularity of alternative Advent calendars, such as wine Advent calendars, chocolate Advent calendars, and even pet Advent calendars.
Whether you're a child or an adult, using an Advent calendar is a great way to slow down and savor the holiday season. It's a reminder to focus on the true meaning of Christmas and to cherish the time with loved ones.
Do you use an advent calendar?
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Two-time winner of the Christian Indie Award, Amber Lemus writes enthralling non-fiction for children and adults alike. She has a passion for travel, history, books and her Savior, so her writing is centered around faith, family and history.
She lives near the Ozarks in her
"casita" with her prince charming. Between enjoying life as a new
mom, and spinning stories out of soap bubbles, Amber loves to connect with
readers and hang out on Goodreads with other bookish peoples.
Amber is a proud member of the American
Christian Fiction Writers Association. Visit her online at www.AmberLemus.com/ and download a FREE story by subscribing to her
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Thank you for the post today. I haven't used an Advent calendar since my children were small, but I have seen lots of fun and interesting ones.
ReplyDeleteI only ever used an advent calendar with my grandchildren. The candy ones. I like the idea of those with a more spiritual focus and those with puzzles. Much better than a chocolate a day. Thnaks for sharing.
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