This year I have found it difficult to buy Advent Calendars that meet my specifications(yes, I know my two might be considered too old for such things but traditions need to be maintained!). I need calendars with no chocolate, one with large clear numbers, one small enough to post and both with a nativity theme. For the first time I could only find suitable ones in Christian bookshops.Even those with Christmassy things like stars, bells, and parcels behind the doors were in short supply.
The German Lutherans in the early nineteenth century used to count down the days to Christmas in ways such as drawing a chalk line each day on the door or lighting a candle.In 1908 Gerhard Lang, a printer in Munich,made a calendar consisting of 24 pictures telling the story Jesus’ birth on cardboard.Doors were added in later versions, often with Bible verses printed on them.During the second World War production ceased in order to save paper but the idea was resurrected after,
The first Christmas cards ( mid nineteenth century) also usually depicted either a nativity scene or robins ( postmen were referred to as robins because of their red uniforms) or a snow scene ( it was colder then!)
Calendars and cards are such a good way to help children learn what Christmas is all about. The birth of Jesus Christ should not be buried in chocolate and Father Christmas.
Liz Dunthorne
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