Saturday, November 29, 2008

Advent Calendars & Other Holiday Preparations

By Kerry Beck

Advent is a series of days that lead up to the Christmas holiday. The Advent calendar consists of the 24 days prior to Christmas. The term "advent" comes from the Latin word "adventus" which means "coming." This holiday period signifies the coming of Christ.

The most common form of preparation for Advent is the advent calendar. Created a wide variety of different ways, this device is used to track the progress of the days that make up the advent season.

The typical way the calendar is made is by the use of advent candles. There are 24 candles used to signify the 24 days that precede Christmas, from December 1st to December 24th. When a new day arrives, the family gathers around the advent calendar and lights a candle to signify the progression of the Advent season.

An advent calendar can appear in a number of forms and fashions. In particular, they are typically used either by or for children celebrating the holidays with their family. For instance, an advent calendar can appear in the form of a Christmas tree with candles attached to the different branches of the tree.

Another advent calendar design is a candy holder calendar. The candy holder calendar includes 24 pockets that are filled with candy. As each day arrives in the holiday season, someone, usually a child, takes the candy out of the holder and eats it.

You can also track the holiday season by using an advent wreath. An advent wreath includes 4 candles to track the weeks of advent. You light a candle on each week of Advent to track the progression of the holiday season.

There are a number of different activities that Christian families participate in to celebrate the season. For instance, many churches light candles and focus their efforts on special prayers and teachings to prepare for the season. Some churches even have special hymns that they sing that focus on the coming of Christ. In addition, some denominations encourage their members to fast or give up certain activities during this season.

At home, there are a number of Advent activities that can be conducted together as a family. For example, some families have their kids gather together and actually create their own advent calendar or wreath to celebrate the holiday season. Other families have their kids color in special advent themed coloring books that commemorate the holiday season.

Advent is a special time for millions of families all across the world. The decision for how you and your family prepare for it is a personal one. If you need ideas and suggestions, what we have provided here will help give you some ideas as well as help prompt you to come up with your own ideas as to how to celebrate this significant holiday season. - 17607

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