A countdown to a holiday celebration, typically Christmas, using a calendar with twelve sequentially numbered compartments, each concealing a small item or treat. These compartments are opened one per day leading up to the event. A common format involves small cardboard doors that are opened to reveal the daily surprise.
This type of calendar provides a tangible way to build anticipation and excitement, particularly for children. Its structure creates a daily ritual, offering a moment of joy and a small reward during the festive season. While twenty-four-day versions are more traditional, aligning with the full Advent period, twelve-day versions offer a shorter, often more manageable, option suitable for younger children or those seeking a more concise countdown. The tradition of Advent calendars stems from 19th-century Germany, evolving from simple practices like marking days on walls with chalk to the elaborate designs available today.
