What Is Advent?

Advent is the period leading up to Christmas. For many Christians, it marks a time of preparation, reflection, and anticipation for the celebration of Jesus’s birth. Advent usually begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas and lasts about four weeks. Over time, Advent has grown into a season filled with music, decorations, calendars, candles, and unique traditions from many different countries.

The Meaning and Purpose of Advent

The word Advent comes from a Latin term meaning “arrival” or “coming.” During this season, people prepare their hearts, homes, and communities for Christmas. In churches, Advent includes special readings, prayers, and songs. Many families also practice Advent traditions at home to build excitement for the holiday.

The themes of Advent often center on:

• hope

• peace

• joy

• love

These ideas are reflected through symbols such as candles, wreaths, and meaningful countdown activities.

Advent Wreaths and Candles

One of the most common Advent traditions is the Advent wreath, made of evergreen branches arranged in a circle. The circular shape represents everlasting life, while the evergreens symbolize hope during the winter.

The wreath typically holds four candles:

• Week 1: Hope (usually purple)

• Week 2: Peace (purple)

• Week 3: Joy (often pink)

• Week 4: Love (purple)

Some families add a fifth candle, called the Christ Candle, lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.

Each week, a new candle is lit, bringing more light into the home as Christmas approaches.

Advent Calendars

Advent calendars are one of the most beloved countdown traditions. The first Advent calendars appeared in Germany in the 1800s, when families marked each day with chalk or lit a small candle.

Modern calendars come in many forms:

• paper calendars with windows

• cardboard versions with chocolates

• handmade fabric or wooden calendars with small gifts

• interactive versions with toys or messages

Each day reveals a surprise, helping children and families build anticipation for Christmas.

Advent Around the World

Different countries celebrate Advent with unique customs that reflect their cultures and history.

Germany

• Famous for creating Advent calendars

• Advent wreaths are very popular

• Christmas markets open during Advent, filling towns with music, food, and crafts

Sweden

On December 13, Swedes celebrate St. Lucia’s Day, a festival of light in the dark winter. Children may dress in white and wear candle crowns.

Mexico

Mexican communities celebrate Las Posadas, a nine-night reenactment of Mary and Joseph's search for shelter. The celebration includes singing, candles, piñatas, and shared meals.

Austria

Advent markets and concerts fill cities with music. In some regions, people celebrate with parades featuring Krampus, a legendary creature from Alpine folklore.

United States and Canada

Advent calendars, wreaths, and church services are common. Many families use daily activities or devotionals to prepare for Christmas.

Philippines

The Philippines holds Simbang Gabi, a series of early morning church services leading up to Christmas Eve. Communities celebrate with lights, lanterns, and large feasts.

How Advent Brings People Together

Advent is more than a countdown—it helps families and communities slow down and focus on what matters most. Traditions bring comfort, joy, and a sense of togetherness. Whether lighting candles, opening calendar windows, or celebrating special festivals, Advent allows people to reflect on peace, kindness, and the excitement of the season.

Kid-Friendly Summary

Advent is the season before Christmas when people prepare, celebrate, and look forward to the holiday. Families light candles, use Advent calendars, and take part in special traditions from around the world. Countries like Germany, Sweden, Mexico, and the Philippines each have their own ways of celebrating. Advent helps everyone focus on hope, joy, peace, and love as Christmas gets closer.

Fun Facts

• 🕯️ The pink Advent candle represents joy and is used on the third Sunday.

• 🎄 The first printed Advent calendar appeared in 1908 in Germany.

• 🎶 In some countries, Advent music is different from Christmas music and is only sung before December 25.

• 🌟 Filipinos create star-shaped lanterns called parols during Advent.

Vocabulary Words

• Advent: The season of preparation before Christmas.

• Wreath: A circular decoration made from evergreens or other materials.

• Devotional: A short reading or activity used for reflection or prayer.

• Tradition: A custom practiced by a group of people over time.

• Lantern: A decorative light often used in festivals or celebrations.

Interactive Quiz

1. What does the word “Advent” mean?
A. Celebration
B. Arrival
C. Winter

2. Which country created the first Advent calendars?
A. Germany
B. Japan
C. Brazil

3. What do Advent wreath evergreens symbolize?
A. Wealth
B. Power
C. Hope

4. Which celebration is part of Advent in Mexico?
A. Las Posadas
B. Simbang Gabi
C. St. Lucia Day