Advent Calendars 2023

How did Advent get its name?

The word ADVENT comes from the Latin word `adventus’ which means ` the coming’.

The date it first appeared as a thing is a little uncertain. Between 461-490B.C. Bishop Perpetuus of Tours established a fast prior to Christmas which began on November 11^th. Then a hundred years later the Council of Tours mentioned an Advent season. This was officially a preparation for the celebration of the birth of Christ and of a preparation for the second coming.  In religious terms Advent begins on the Sunday nearest to November 30^th.

The first Advent calendar is believed to have been used by German Lutherans in the 19^th century  which then spread across Europe to other Christian denominations.

On what date do you open the first door of your advent calendar?

Nowadays Advent ,as well as being a Christian festival, is very much involved in the secular run up to Xmas.  For most of us the Advent calendar starts on the 1^st of December and ends on the 24^th, the day before Xmas.

Today it would be a brave parent not to have the advent calendars lined up on November 30^th for opening the following day!!!!!

In fact these calendars have become an integral part of our Christmas celebrations.  They add to the excitement and anticipation we all feel as family time approaches. But advent calendars can be, and frequently are, used as a very effective bargaining tool. A promise of opening a window in the calendar and eating the chocolate hidden inside can instigate a child tidying their bedroom, doing homework and not fighting with a sibling. This period in a child’s life when the power is yours is quite short-lived so make the most of it! The trouble is they all get wise to the coercion at some point.

Don’t even try bargaining with teenagers. A puny chocolate would be considered laughable even though they are quite happy to scoff them. And of course they would be most put out if chocolate- bearing calendars were cancelled.

But what is interesting is the growth in the market of Advent calendars for adults. If this is your plan for your wife/ partner /friend this Xmas you will really have to up your game!! A late November or very early December birthday would make this a very interesting and original option.

However the chocolates would have to be top class!!

Even better why not an Advent calendar containing miniature bottles of their favourite tipple, rum or gin, prosecco or wine. These can be interspersed with interesting mixers or sophisticated savouries.

These days it is possible to purchase a wide variety of flavours and brands either in your chosen tipple or your mixer so you don’t even need to repeat yourself!

What a gift!! And what a memorable one! And what a new tradition to start!

Perhaps a reminder that this is an Advent Calendar and that this is a slow burner might not go amiss as you hand it over.

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