The advent calendar, a beloved holiday tradition, has been a source of excitement and anticipation for children and adults alike for centuries. However, a question has sparked debate among enthusiasts: when should you start an advent calendar – on December 1st or December 25th? In this article, we’ll delve into the history of advent calendars, explore the different types, and provide insights to help you decide when to begin your countdown to Christmas.
A Brief History of Advent Calendars
The concept of an advent calendar originated in 19th-century Germany, where Christians would mark the days leading up to Christmas with chalk marks on their doors or by lighting candles. The first known advent calendar was created in 1851 by a German Protestant pastor, who made a calendar with 24 doors, one for each day leading up to Christmas Eve. The tradition gained popularity in the early 20th century, and today, advent calendars come in various forms, from traditional paper calendars to elaborate wooden or fabric designs.
Types of Advent Calendars
Over the years, advent calendars have evolved to cater to diverse interests and ages. Some popular types include:
- Chocolate Advent Calendars: A sweet treat for each day, often featuring popular chocolate brands.
- Toy Advent Calendars: A fun surprise for kids, with small toys, stickers, or other playthings.
- Beauty Advent Calendars: A luxurious treat for beauty enthusiasts, featuring skincare samples, makeup, or fragrances.
- Book Advent Calendars: A literary delight, with a new book or chapter to read each day.
- DIY Advent Calendars: A creative approach, where you fill your own calendar with personalized treats or activities.
The Debate: December 1st or December 25th?
So, when should you start your advent calendar? The answer depends on your personal preference, cultural traditions, and the type of calendar you have.
Starting on December 1st
Many people begin their advent calendar on December 1st, which marks the start of the Advent season in the Christian calendar. This approach allows you to build anticipation and excitement for Christmas over the entire month. Some benefits of starting on December 1st include:
- Extended festive period: You get to enjoy the holiday spirit for a longer time.
- More time for activities: You can plan and participate in various holiday activities, such as decorating, baking, or volunteering.
- Increased anticipation: The longer countdown can heighten your excitement for Christmas.
Starting on December 25th
Others prefer to start their advent calendar on December 25th, which is Christmas Day. This approach focuses on the 12 days of Christmas, a traditional celebration that begins on Christmas Day and ends on January 5th (Twelfth Night). Some benefits of starting on December 25th include:
- Traditional approach: This method follows the traditional Christian calendar and the 12 days of Christmas.
- Post-Christmas celebration: You can extend the holiday celebration beyond December 25th.
- Less commercialized: By starting on Christmas Day, you may avoid the commercialized aspect of the holiday season.
Ultimate Decision: It’s Up to You
Whether you start your advent calendar on December 1st or December 25th, the most important thing is to enjoy the experience and make it your own. Consider your personal preferences, family traditions, and the type of calendar you have. If you’re looking for a more extended festive period, December 1st might be the better choice. If you prefer a more traditional approach, December 25th could be the way to go.
Tips for Creating Your Own Advent Calendar
If you’re feeling crafty, you can create your own advent calendar. Here are some tips to get you started:
- Choose a theme: Decide on a theme, such as a winter wonderland, a festive forest, or a holiday movie marathon.
- Select activities or treats: Plan 24 activities or treats that fit your theme, such as baking cookies, watching a holiday movie, or going for a winter walk.
- Create a calendar: Design a calendar with 24 doors, drawers, or envelopes, one for each day leading up to Christmas.
- Fill the calendar: Fill each door or envelope with an activity or treat, and enjoy the countdown to Christmas.
Conclusion
The advent calendar is a beloved holiday tradition that offers a fun and exciting way to count down to Christmas. Whether you start on December 1st or December 25th, the most important thing is to enjoy the experience and make it your own. By understanding the history and types of advent calendars, you can make an informed decision about when to start your countdown. So, go ahead, unwrap the mystery, and start your advent calendar on the day that feels most festive to you.
What is an Advent calendar, and how does it work?
An Advent calendar is a special calendar used to count down the days until Christmas, typically starting on December 1st and ending on Christmas Eve, December 24th. It usually has 24 small doors, windows, or drawers, one for each day leading up to Christmas. Behind each door or window, there is a surprise, such as a chocolate, a small toy, or a devotional message.
The idea behind an Advent calendar is to build anticipation and excitement for Christmas, while also providing a fun and interactive way to celebrate the holiday season. Many families and individuals use Advent calendars as a tradition, enjoying the daily surprises and reflections as they count down to Christmas.
What are the different types of Advent calendars available?
There are many different types of Advent calendars available, catering to various interests and ages. Some popular types include chocolate Advent calendars, filled with 24 pieces of chocolate, one for each day leading up to Christmas. Others may feature small toys, stickers, or trinkets, while some are designed specifically for adults, with items like wine, beer, or gourmet food.
In addition to these, there are also Advent calendars with a devotional or spiritual focus, featuring daily readings, prayers, or reflections. Some calendars may also have a specific theme, such as a favorite movie or TV show, sports team, or hobby. With so many options available, there’s an Advent calendar to suit every interest and preference.
When should I start my Advent calendar, on the 1st or 25th?
The answer to this question depends on the type of Advent calendar you have and your personal preference. Traditional Advent calendars typically start on December 1st and end on Christmas Eve, December 24th. However, some calendars may be designed to start on December 25th and count down the 12 days of Christmas.
Ultimately, the decision of when to start your Advent calendar is up to you. If you want to follow the traditional countdown to Christmas, start on December 1st. If you prefer to focus on the 12 days of Christmas, start on December 25th. You can also choose to start your calendar on a different day that works best for you and your family.
Can I use an Advent calendar with my family, and how can I make it a fun tradition?
An Advent calendar can be a wonderful way to build excitement and anticipation for Christmas with your family. You can choose a calendar that suits your family’s interests and ages, and enjoy the daily surprises and activities together. Many families make opening the Advent calendar a special part of their daily routine, often doing it together at breakfast or before bed.
To make it a fun tradition, you can also add your own activities and rituals to the daily openings. For example, you could read a Christmas book or sing a carol together after opening the calendar. You could also use the Advent calendar as a way to give back, doing a small act of kindness or charity each day. By making the Advent calendar a special part of your family’s holiday tradition, you can create lasting memories and a sense of anticipation and excitement for Christmas.
How can I make my own Advent calendar, and what are some creative ideas?
Making your own Advent calendar can be a fun and creative project. You can use a variety of materials, such as cardboard, fabric, or paper, to create the calendar. One idea is to make a paper bag Advent calendar, where you decorate 24 paper bags and fill each one with a small treat or activity. Another idea is to create a fabric Advent calendar, where you sew 24 small pockets and fill each one with a surprise.
Other creative ideas for making your own Advent calendar include using a muffin tin, a wooden crate, or a set of small jars. You can also add a personal touch to your calendar by including photos, mementos, or special activities that are meaningful to your family. By making your own Advent calendar, you can tailor it to your family’s interests and preferences, and create a unique and special holiday tradition.
What are some benefits of using an Advent calendar, and how can it enhance my holiday season?
Using an Advent calendar can have several benefits, including building anticipation and excitement for Christmas, creating a sense of tradition and ritual, and providing a fun and interactive way to celebrate the holiday season. It can also be a great way to slow down and appreciate the days leading up to Christmas, rather than getting caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season.
An Advent calendar can also enhance your holiday season by providing a daily reminder of the true meaning of Christmas, whether through devotional readings, charitable activities, or simply taking time to appreciate the small joys in life. By incorporating an Advent calendar into your holiday tradition, you can create a more mindful, meaningful, and enjoyable holiday season.
Can I use an Advent calendar if I don’t celebrate Christmas, and how can I adapt it to my own holiday traditions?
While Advent calendars are often associated with Christmas, you can adapt the idea to fit your own holiday traditions and celebrations. For example, you could create a Hanukkah calendar, a Kwanzaa calendar, or a winter solstice calendar. You could also use the idea of an Advent calendar to count down to other holidays or special events, such as New Year’s Eve or a birthday.
To adapt an Advent calendar to your own holiday traditions, simply choose a calendar that fits your needs, or create your own using materials and themes that are meaningful to you. You can fill the calendar with activities, treats, and reflections that are relevant to your holiday, and enjoy the daily countdown to your special celebration. By adapting the idea of an Advent calendar to your own traditions, you can create a fun and meaningful way to build anticipation and excitement for your holiday.