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Employing the Advent calendar in the family is an honored tradition that spreads the Christmas spirit. An Advent calendar is a small calendar with either twenty-four small drawers or twenty-five numbered flaps that can be opened day by day until Christmas Day, every day one more getting ready for the significant occasion. The calendar is a great way to make the lead up to Christmas even more enjoyable and encourages family members to stay connected during the holiday season.

Spreading fun and anticipation over an entire month, the decrement of the Advent calendar is often a great way to teach children the importance of patience and counting down to the winter holidays. Releasing a piece of chocolates daily, parents can use the Advent calendar as an incentive for good behavior as well as an opportunity to launch an exploration of Christianity, as it is believed the Advent calendar has its origins in nineteenth-century Germany.

Advent calendars can be quite educational, as well as fun. December’s daily selections can be used as a small lesson with a Christmas-related story or topic like the “Twelve Days of Christmas”, the advent of Jesus, or toys and trinkets that are considered traditional symbols of children at Christmas. It is also an excellent way to introduce children to the traditional activities and rituals associated with the holiday. Games, crafts, and foods can ignite curiosity and happiness that produces a festive atmosphere.

The Advent calendar can also help families develop meaningful family traditions. By creating something together, like use of the Advent calendar, it can forge deeper-than-usual connections and create a lasting bond. Moreover, during holiday time, family members will remember that at least one tradition allows all to partake and reunite over the important seasonal period.

At the end of the festive season, the Advent calendar can be re-used with many families opting to pass the Christmas countdown down the generations. But more than just a traditional object for childhood fun, the Advent calendar is a way for parents to get their children involved in the holidays, build solid family bonds and lifelong memories.