A countdown to Christmas Day, sometimes represented by a calendar with 24 or 12 sequentially numbered home windows or compartments, every concealing a small deal with, toy, or devotional message. Variations based mostly on the “Twelve Days of Christmas” carol typically characteristic compartments corresponding to every day talked about within the tune, probably containing presents associated to the lyrics. These calendars function a tangible technique to mark the passage of time resulting in the vacation.
These calendars construct anticipation for Christmas, notably for kids. They provide a each day dose of festive cheer and supply a enjoyable, interactive component to the vacation season. Traditionally, the idea originated within the nineteenth century amongst German Protestants who marked the times main as much as Christmas. Over time, they developed from easy chalk marks on doorways to elaborate printed calendars. The trendy iterations, that includes small presents or treats, grew to become standard within the early twentieth century. The tie-in with the well-known carol provides one other layer of cultural significance and recognition.