Advent Calendar 2012

Having a countdown calendar for Christmas was a popular tradition that began in Germany in the late 1800s and spread throughout Europe and North America. Advent calendars are a fun way for children to count down to the night of December 24th when Santa Claus brings their toys. Nowadays many adults also enjoy Advent calendars - usually with a chocolate treat behind each door!
Advent is from the Latin 'Adventus', meaning 'the coming' - the church's preparation for Christmas.

Enjoy the countdown to this special time of the year, whether it is the Winter Solstice, Yule or Christmas that is important to you - open the doors below every day during December and discover the ancient Yuletide traditions and customs that still bring joy today.

Greetings and blessings.

Advent wreaths

These also originate from northern Europe, where in winter people lit candles on wheel-shaped bundles of evergreen - symbolizing the wheel of life and renewal and rebirth. They were called 'Adventskranz' .The wreaths traditionally contained four advent candles which were lit on each sunday during December - three purple and one rose coloured.

The candlelight brought comfort to the darkest weeks of the year, as people looked forward to the longer days of spring after the winter solstice celebration of the shortest day.
Solstice Wreath