What Is an Advent Calendar?
Sunday, November 23, 2025
A Countdown That Leads Little Hearts to Jesus
At this time of year, we really do have to make a little distinction between what is a real Advent calendar… and what is, well, not.
Sorry, Trader Joe’s — I love you.
But your “Advent” chocolate calendar is actually 24 days of chocolate leading up to penguin parties and ribbon vests.(Cute? Yes. Advent? No.)
If you’re going to hijack our Christian high holy day, at least give us one chocolate calendar with a nativity! A mom can dream.
A real Advent calendar helps prepare our hearts with truth and wonder as we wait in joyful hope for the coming of the Messiah.
Yet here’s the thing:
If you’ve ever watched a child open an Advent calendar, you know the magic — the sparkle, the anticipation. Kids LOVE counting down to something special… and Advent gives us the most beautiful countdown of all.
But an Advent calendar isn’t about treats or trinkets (though chocolate absolutely counts as a spiritual gift on certain days!).
At its heart, an Advent calendar is a journey toward Jesus — a way to prepare little hearts, one simple day at a time.
Where Did Advent Calendars Come From?
The first Advent calendars appeared in 19th-century Germany, when families marked the days until Christmas by lighting candles or chalking marks on doors. Eventually, paper calendars with tiny windows became popular — and before long, children everywhere were popping open little doors in joyful expectation.
But here’s the best part:
The Church has always understood that waiting teaches us love.
And that’s exactly what an Advent calendar helps us do.
Advent Calendars for Catholic Families
What can an Advent calendar look like today?
Honestly — anything that helps your family grow closer to Jesus:
- A Jesse Tree
The original biblical Advent calendar!
Each ornament represents a piece of salvation history leading to Jesus’ birth.
- Scripture or Prayer Cards
Each day, read a verse about hope, prophecy, or the Nativity.
- Acts of Kindness Calendar
Tiny virtues for tiny hands — and big hearts.
- Rebecca’s digital Advent kits & biblical children’s rhymes
(Yes — your creations!)
Families can print, craft, color, pray, and prepare with joy.
Little hands LOVE hands-on faith.
Why It Matters
Advent calendars help children understand the beauty of waiting.
They teach patience, anticipation, and the truth that God enters our world slowly, gently…
and then all at once in the quiet of Christmas night.
Every day becomes a tiny doorway — and behind each door is a moment of grace.
A Saint’s Thought to Treasure
We must pray for the coming of Christ every day,
that His light may shine in our hearts.”
— St. Charles Borromeo
Trader Joe’s NOT Advent Calendars
Real Advent Calendar’s
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes and no—the Jesse Tree marks the days of Advent like a calendar, but instead of treats it uses Scripture and symbols to help families prepare their hearts for Christ.
Advent is a Christian season of anticipation and preparation before Christmas, inviting us to reflect, pray, and wait in joyful hope for Jesus’ birth and His Second Coming.
The Advent colors are purple for preparation and royalty, rose (pink) for joy on Gaudete Sunday, and white or gold for purity, glory, and the light of Christ at Christmas.
Hi, I am Rebecca Even
CEO Of A.M.D.G. Productions LLC
Catholic author, Speaker, Songwriter but not a singer, Rebecca Even is a wife and mother with a passion for working with women especially mothers of all ages.
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