The holiday season is a time for family traditions, festive decorations, and special moments that bring joy to children. One of the most cherished traditions for kids during the holiday season is the Advent calendar. These special calendars are designed to count down the days until Christmas, offering a surprise or treat for children each day. In this article, we’ll explore the history, types, benefits, and how to choose the perfect kids Advent calendar for your family.
What is an Advent Calendar?
The word “Advent” comes from the Latin “adventus,” meaning “coming.” Traditionally, Advent calendars start on December 1st and end on December 24th, with each day revealing a small surprise, treat, or activity. While the original Advent calendars had religious symbols or messages behind each door, today’s kids Advent calendars are filled with toys, chocolates, and even puzzles to engage young minds.
The History of Advent Calendars
Advent calendars have a long history that dates back to the 19th century. The first Advent calendar was created in Germany in the early 1900s. It was a simple cardboard calendar with 24 doors, each containing a small image behind it. As time went on, the concept evolved to include more interactive and exciting surprises. The modern kids Advent calendar we know today, often filled with chocolates, toys, or fun activities, has become a worldwide tradition, with numerous variations and designs available in stores each year.
The Different Types of Kids Advent Calendars
When it comes to Advent calendars for kids, there is no shortage of variety. Depending on your child’s interests and age, you can find Advent calendars in many different forms. Here are some popular types:
Chocolate Advent Calendars
One of the most popular types of Advent calendars for kids is the chocolate-filled variety. Behind each door, children will find a small piece of chocolate, often shaped like Christmas trees, Santa Claus, or other holiday symbols. These calendars are simple, affordable, and delicious.
Toy Advent Calendars
For kids who enjoy surprises and small toys, toy Advent calendars are an excellent choice. These calendars typically feature small action figures, collectible toys, or characters from popular shows like Disney or Marvel. As your child opens each door, they can build a collection of toys leading up to Christmas.
DIY Advent Calendars
For a more personal touch, DIY Advent calendars allow parents to customize each day’s surprise. You can fill each compartment with small treats, notes, or activities tailored to your child’s preferences. DIY calendars are a great way to create lasting memories while celebrating the holiday season.
Activity-Based Advent Calendars
Some kids Advent calendars focus on experiences rather than tangible items. These calendars often include activity cards or tickets for fun, family-friendly experiences, such as decorating cookies, watching a Christmas movie, or going ice skating. This type of Advent calendar emphasizes quality time together, making it perfect for families who value bonding moments.
Puzzle Advent Calendars
If your child enjoys solving puzzles or loves challenges, a puzzle Advent calendar could be the perfect option. These calendars often feature daily puzzles or brain teasers, such as jigsaw pieces or riddles. Each day reveals a new piece of the puzzle, and by Christmas Eve, your child will have completed a fun activity.
Benefits of Using a Kids Advent Calendar
Kids Advent calendars are more than just a fun way to count down to Christmas. They offer several benefits for children and families, including:
Building Excitement for Christmas
Advent calendars help build anticipation and excitement as Christmas draws closer. The daily ritual of opening a new surprise helps children stay engaged throughout December, creating a sense of excitement leading up to the big day.
Teaching Patience
One of the main benefits of an Advent calendar is that it teaches kids the value of patience. Each day they must wait for their little surprise, helping them learn to appreciate the process rather than focusing solely on the end result.
Fostering Family Traditions
Using an Advent calendar can help create lasting family traditions. Whether you choose a store-bought or DIY calendar, opening it together each day can be a special time to bond as a family. This tradition can continue for years, creating treasured memories for your child.
Promoting Mindfulness and Gratitude
Many Advent calendars, especially those with activity-based surprises, encourage kids to focus on the present moment and appreciate the little joys of the season. This mindfulness helps children develop gratitude, which can positively impact their overall well-being.
Choosing the Right Kids Advent Calendar
When it comes to selecting the perfect kids Advent calendar, there are a few key factors to consider:
Age Appropriateness
Make sure the calendar is suitable for your child’s age. For younger children, toy or chocolate Advent calendars are typically ideal. Older kids may enjoy puzzle or activity-based calendars that provide more interactive content.
Personal Preferences
If they love a particular character, such as Elsa from Frozen or Spiderman, look for themed Advent calendars featuring those characters. Personalizing the calendar will make the experience even more special for your child.
Budget
Kids Advent calendars are available in a wide range of price points. You can find affordable chocolate calendars, or you can opt for more luxurious options filled with toys, high-quality treats, or even beauty products for older children. Be sure to choose a calendar that fits your budget while still offering a fun experience.
Durability
If you’re opting for a reusable Advent calendar, durability is important. Look for calendars made from sturdy materials, such as wood or fabric, that can be used year after year. These calendars offer long-term value and can become a family heirloom over time.
How to Make Your Own DIY Advent Calendar
For a unique and personal touch, why not create your own DIY Advent calendar? Here’s a simple guide to get you started:
Materials Needed:
24 small boxes or envelopes
Decorations (ribbons, markers, stickers)
Small treats, toys, or activity cards
String or wire to hang the boxes
Instructions:
Gather 24 small boxes or envelopes. You can use matchboxes, paper bags, or even small jars.
Decorate the boxes or envelopes with holiday-themed designs.
Fill each box with a surprise, such as a small toy, candy, or activity card.
Arrange the boxes in a line or hang them on a string, ensuring each box is numbered 1 through 24.
Enjoy the countdown with your child, making each day’s reveal extra special.
Popular Advent Calendar Brands for Kids
Several brands offer high-quality and fun Advent calendars that are perfect for kids. Some popular brands include:
LEGO Advent Calendars – These calendars are perfect for LEGO fans, offering mini-figures and builds behind each door.
Playmobil Advent Calendar – Known for its themed sets and figurines, Playmobil offers Advent calendars with fun characters and accessories.
Disney Advent Calendars – For Disney enthusiasts, these calendars feature beloved characters like Mickey Mouse, Elsa, and Woody.
Godiva Chocolate Advent Calendar – A luxurious option filled with premium chocolates for a sweet treat each day.
FAQs
What is a kids advent calendar?
A kids advent calendar is a fun and exciting way to count down the days leading up to Christmas. Typically, it features 24 doors or windows, one for each day in December until Christmas Eve. Behind each door, children find a small surprise, such as chocolates, toys, or themed trinkets, designed to delight and engage them during the festive season.
Why are kids advent calendars so popular?
Kids advent calendars have grown in popularity because they offer a daily dose of excitement and joy during the lead-up to Christmas. The tradition of an advent calendar has evolved, with new variations that cater to different interests. Whether it’s a chocolate-filled calendar or one with toys, crafts, or even books, these calendars enhance the holiday experience for children, making each day leading up to Christmas more special.
What types of kids advent calendars are available?
There are several types of kids advent calendars available:
Chocolate Advent Calendars: Filled with small chocolates or sweets, perfect for younger children.
Toy Advent Calendars: Each door reveals a small toy or collectible, such as LEGO pieces or action figures.
Craft Advent Calendars: These feature supplies for holiday-themed crafts, allowing kids to create their own decorations.
Book Advent Calendars: A calendar with small books or stories behind each door, encouraging reading during the festive period.
When should I start using a kids advent calendar?
The ideal time to start using an advent calendar is on December 1st. Many advent calendars are designed to start the countdown on the first of the month and run through to December 24th, which is Christmas Eve. This creates a daily routine of excitement as children open a new door each day leading up to Christmas.
Final Thought
Kids Advent calendars are more than just a fun tradition – they offer an opportunity to engage children in the excitement of the holiday season while teaching important lessons like patience and gratitude. Whether you opt for a chocolate-filled calendar, a DIY creation, or an activity-based countdown, the joy and anticipation these calendars bring to children is unmatched. Choose the right calendar for your child’s age and interests, and start a festive tradition that will be cherished for years to come.
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