What is an Advent Calendar?

Advent: A coming into place, view, or being; arrival: the advent of the holiday season. The period beginning four Sundays before Christmas, observed in commemoration of the coming of Christ into the world.

Origin: 1125-75; ME < L adventus arrival, approach, equiv. to ad- * AD- + ven- (s. of venīre to come) + -tus suffix of verbal action

* http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=ad-

Religious Advent Calendar

   Historically, the Advent Calendar has been around for more than 150 years in some form and becomes more popular every year. Traditionally, they began on the first day of December and ran through the 24th in celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Different sizes and themes have been used since the early part of the 20th century when little windows to open each day, first appeared. The material is usually cardstock. There is a picture or theme on the outside, with little windows each numbered. Each day in December, a new window would open, revealing small pictures, surprises or prizes underneath.

   Later on, other non-religious themes were used.

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