Advent calendars are a popular way to count down the days until Christmas. They come in different shapes and sizes, but often include small doors or pockets that reveal a treat or surprise each day leading up to the holiday. However, there is some confusion about whether you should count up or down on an advent calendar. In this article, we'll explore the history of advent calendars and answer this common question.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Introduction
Advent calendars are a popular way to count down the days until Christmas. They come in different shapes and sizes, but often include small doors or pockets that reveal a treat or surprise each day leading up to the holiday. However, there is some confusion about whether you should count up or down on an advent calendar. In this article, we'll explore the history of advent calendars and answer this common question.
The History of Advent Calendars
The tradition of advent calendars dates back to the 19th century in Germany, where religious families would mark the days of Advent by lighting candles or hanging pictures on the wall. The first printed advent calendar was created in the early 1900s, and it wasn't until the 1920s that the advent calendar started to include small gifts or treats behind each door.
Question: How did advent calendars become popular?
Advent calendars became more popular in the mid-20th century, when they started to be mass-produced and marketed to children. Today, advent calendars are a beloved holiday tradition in many parts of the world, and they come in a variety of styles and themes.
Counting Up or Down?
Now, back to the question at hand: do you count up or down on an advent calendar? The answer is... it depends on the calendar! Some advent calendars count up to Christmas Day, while others count down from December 1st. The important thing is to follow the instructions on your advent calendar and enjoy the surprises that await you each day.
Question: Why do some advent calendars count up?
Some advent calendars count up because they are designed to be used in conjunction with a religious Advent wreath, which has four candles that are lit on each of the four Sundays leading up to Christmas. Each day of the advent calendar corresponds to a different candle on the wreath, so you are counting up to the lighting of the final candle on Christmas Eve.
Question: Why do some advent calendars count down?
Other advent calendars count down because they are simply a fun way to build anticipation for Christmas Day. Each day reveals a small gift or treat, which can be a fun surprise for both children and adults.
Conclusion
Whether you count up or down on your advent calendar, the important thing is to enjoy the spirit of the season and the surprises that await you each day. Advent calendars are a fun and festive way to count down the days until Christmas, and they are a beloved holiday tradition for many families around the world.
So, go ahead and open that first door or pocket on your advent calendar, and let the countdown (or count up) begin!
