Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Advent Calendars

Advent calendars aree special publications that help count down the days of Advent from Dec. 1 until Christmas Eve. Each day a numbered window is opened or an item is taken from a numbered pocket.These calendars are designed in varied styles and themes. Some are quite whimsical, while others are more in keeping with the theme of the Savior’s birth. No matter what the design, in the case of children’s Advent calendars, there is often a treat for each day, such as a tiny toy.

The calendar I used in 2007 and 2008 is a vintage Advent calendar printed in West Germany. The first slot reveals a Messianic prophecy "The people that walked in darkness, have seen a great light." Is. 9:2. This made me smile and think, “Yes, thank you, Jesus; may we always walk in your light!"


Next is a children’s calendar from Oriental Trading Co. I found it at a local thrift store last week. The special was your choice of a bag-full of Christmas things for $2.00; so this only cost me about a dime.
This felt calendar had numbered pockets with one figure for the nativity scene to be taken out each day and placed in or around the stable – Shepherds, Wise Men, animals, and the Holy Family.


The Baby Jesus figure is in the last pocket, December 24th.

The calendar I am using this season is a new one from Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland. It features the town of Bethlehem and has 24 windows scattered across the scene.
Each window reveals a Bible text and a color illustration:
A fold-out section at the front forms the town wall and gate.

A fourth calendar, one I received as a gift, has The Nutcracker as its theme.

Each day a mini book numbered for that day, tells one segment of the story of the Nutcracker, until it culminates on December 24 with the Magic Sleigh.

This calendar was published in 1993 by Workman Publishing Co. The story is retold by Mary Packard and illustrated by Nan Brooks.

The custom of using an Advent calendar to look forward to the coming of the Baby Jesus is a nice way to mark the family's anticipation of Christmas Eve.

Thank you for stopping by today.

May you be blessed this Christmas season and into the New Year!

This post is linked to Three or More Tuesday which is sponsored by Tam at The Gypsy's Corner.
Please visit her for more participating posts.

My felt Advent calendar qualifies for Second-Time Around Tuesday which Diane hosts at A Picture Is Worth 1000 Words. See more participants at her blog.

9 comments:

  1. What a great collection! I love advent calendars and have only one. You have really neat ones and such a variety! Thanks so much for sharing and have a very Merry Christmas!!

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  2. I love your calendar colletcion. Pretty neat!...Merry Christmas to you and your family!...Christine

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  3. Hi Carrie!

    Nice group of Advent calendars! We have 4 this year. I had bought one last year clearanced after Christmas. My best friend bought our little princess one from Bronners this past summer (we live about 1.5 hours from Frankenmuth). My Mom bought us one this year and one of my sponsors (on my blog) sent me one to review! All of them were the candy version. First thing the princess does when she wakes up every morning is to announce it's "Christmas Treat Time!" LOL

    I have been wanting a wooden one for quite some time and haven't found one to my wallets liking yet so, my 17 year old sweet nephew informed me that he is going to make me one this coming semster in his wood shop class! I am so lucky!

    Your Bronner's Advent is gorgous! And what a great find on the felt one!

    I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas!

    Merry Christmas to you!

    Diann :)

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  4. I enjoyed seeing this, Carrie! You always have the neatest things.

    I want to thank you again this year for my creche. You were so sweet to gift me with that last year, and I wanted you to know how much I appreciate it!

    Merry Christmas!

    XO,

    Sheila :-)

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  5. Carrie, thanks for sharing your Advent calendars. I hope you've really enjoyed the Bethlehem one from Bronner's this year. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
    Lori Libka
    communications assistant
    Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland

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  6. Those calendars are great! How nice that you have a collection of them. When I was a little girl my mom had embroidered one that little presents hung on, and we three girls waited to open a gift every three days...it was torture!! Now my girls open their own windows every day, much nicer to have a calendar of your own, rather than having to share one!! I especially like the German one you have, so pretty.
    Have a very nice Christmas.
    Heidi - Heart and Home

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  7. Merry Christmas, Shelia,
    Thank you for letting me know how much you enjoy the nativity set. Thank you also for your support of Carola Nativity Gallery. I really have a hard time getting my photos for each post, so your comments have been very encouraging to me.
    Have a wonderful Christmas with your loved ones,
    Love,
    Carrie

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  8. I'm enjoying looking at your nativity sets. They're so beautiful! Hope you have a wonderful New Year!

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  9. I just have so enjoyed your blog! The advent calendars are just too awesome! I love the one you got from oriental trade...what a way to let the children know the true meaning of Christmas!! Hope you had a Verrry Merry Christmas!!

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