Advent Calendar

advent_train, originally uploaded by thenesmiths.

The advent calendar is used to count the number of days until Christmas. It originates from German Lutherans who would physically count down the 24 days of Advent. Some families used elaborate ways to count down the days such as lighting candles or hanging religious pictures on the wall. Many calendars such as this train have been adapted to include a piece of candy or chocolate behind each compartment. Like a small prize for getting through each day of the holiday season.