Tag: Advent Calendar

Ideas for Your Advent Calendar Gifts

Are you making your own Advent calendar this year? The first day of Advent is December 3, 2023. Do-it-yourself Advent calendars often contain small gifts or treats for each day leading up to Christmas. If you are searching for ideas for your Advent calendar gifts, consider the following.

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  1. Chocolates or Candies: A classic choice and widely appreciated. If you are on a budget or doing more than one Advent calendar, a bag of mixed candies is a wonderful choice.
  2. Miniature Toys: Small action figures, mini puzzles, or novelty toys are another budget-friendly option. Consider stocking up from your local dollar store.
  3. Stationery Items: Pens, pencils, notepads, erasers, or festive-themed stationery are great Advent additions.
  4. Beauty Products: Mini lotions, lip balms, nail polishes, or festive-themed jewelry.
  5. Socks or Cozy Accessories: Festive socks, gloves, or hats.
  6. Tea or Coffee Samples: A variety of special tea bags or coffee samples is always a hit with older children or young adults. Feel free to add hot apple cider or hot cocoa packets.
  7. Book Excerpts: Print and include an excerpt from a holiday-themed book.
  8. Mini Ornaments: Tiny ornaments to hang on a miniature Christmas tree.
  9. Coupons or IOUs: Offer a favor, a special treat, or a chore-free day.
  10. Christmas-themed Stickers: Stickers with holiday designs are always a favorite.
  11. Gift Cards or Vouchers: Small value gift cards for coffee shops, bookstores, or movie tickets.
  12. Mini Advent Puzzle: A piece of a puzzle each day that forms a complete picture by Christmas. If you want to use a larger puzzle, you can always place more than one piece in your daily Advent calendar.

Remember to tailor the gifts to the preferences and interests of the person receiving the Advent calendar. Have a wonderful Advent season!

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Celebrating Advent

Tomorrow, December 1st marks the beginning of Advent. Running from the first of December to Christmas Eve, the Advent marks the birth of Jesus. In fact, the word Advent is actually Latin for coming. Advent is a celebration to help people focus and remember the reason for the Christmas season. 

Depending on the day Christmas falls on, Advent can begin on different days. The start of Advent on December 1st only occurs when Christmas falls on a Wednesday. Each Sunday before Christmas has special meaning. 

The Candles of Advent

Each Sunday before Advent, a candle is lite. The candles hold special meanings for the holiday season. 

  • First Sunday: A purple candle, symbolizing hope, is the first candy lite. The first Sunday candle is also known as “The Prophecy Candle” to remember the prophets who predicted the birth of Christ. 
  • Second Sunday: Another purple candle is lite to symbolize faith. The faith candle or “The Bethlehem Candle” focuses on Mary and Joseph’s trip into Bethlehem. 
  • Third Sunday: For the third week into Advent, a pink candle is lite. The pink candle or “The Shephard’s Candle” represents joy. The birth of Christ brought great joy. 
  • Fourth Sunday: For the fourth week, a purple candle is lite. The fourth candle, or “The Angel’s Candle,” represents peace. 

Depending on how you celebrate, a fifth candle may be added to Advent. Lighting a white candle on Christmas Day to celebrate Christ’s birth, the candle represents light and purity. The centered white candle is also known as “The Christ Candle.” 

In some cultures, the colors of the candles do not matter. The action of remembering Advent is an essential part of the holiday season.

The Advent Wreath

The Advent wreath is part of the candle lighting ceremony. The four candles are set on the wreath with the fifth candle (optional) placed in the middle. The wreath consists of evergreen branches woven together in a circular form. The evergreen circle represents eternity. 

Advent Calendars 

Advent Calendars are generally part of celebrating Advent. Counting down to Christmas, an Advent calendar has 24 or 25 openings. Advent calendars vary, including traditional Christ laying in the manger scenes to popular products like Harry Potter mini-figures, Lego, perfume, or jewelry samples.

Other Advent calendars are homemade with chocolate, small toys, or other treats behind each little opening. No matter the type of Advent calendar you use, enjoy the Christmas season. 

 

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