An advent calendar is a special calendar used to count down the days to Christmas. It typically has 24 doors or windows, one for each day of December leading up to Christmas Eve. Inside each door or window is a small gift, such as a piece of candy, a small toy, or a religious symbol. Advent calendars are a fun and festive way to celebrate the Christmas season and help children learn about the Christian tradition of Advent.
The first advent calendar was created in the 19th century by a German Lutheran pastor named Gerhard Lang. Lang’s calendar was a simple cardboard box with 24 doors, each containing a Bible verse. The calendar was designed to help children learn about the Christmas story and prepare for the holiday. Advent calendars quickly became popular in Germany and other European countries, and they are now a beloved tradition in many homes around the world.