Even if we didn’t grow up with the tradition of the Advent Calendar at home, we’ve likely seen them around in the Christmas aisles in stores. Especially popular are the ones with a chocolate or candy surprise each day. This tradition started in the mid-19th century by German Protestants. Leading up to Christmas, the German Protestants would make chalk marks on doors or light candles to count the days leading up to Christmas.
The creator of the traditional Advent calendar we see today was German Gerhard Lang. Inspired by an Advent Calendar his mom cut out for him from the newspaper, he created the cardboard cut out with little doors that soon became popular in Germany. The tradition became popular in the United States after a picture of President Dwight Eisenhower’s children with their Advent calendar circulated in the newspapers.
The creator of the traditional Advent calendar we see today was German Gerhard Lang. Inspired by an Advent Calendar his mom cut out for him from the newspaper, he created the cardboard cut out with little doors that soon became popular in Germany. The tradition became popular in the United States after a picture of President Dwight Eisenhower’s children with their Advent calendar circulated in the newspapers.
Today's challenge: Find a special way to countdown to Christmas, either through an Advent Calendar or daily devotional.
This email is part of a daily series all about Advent. Learn lesser-known facts about Advent, how to celebrate well, ideas for new Advent traditions to practice with your family, and the history of Advent. You'll receive one email per day for 10 days.