Advent Day One

Hello Friends!

Today is Sunday December 1st and the beginning of Advent which, in the majority of Christian denominations, marks the beginning of the approach to Christmas when we celebrate the birth of Jesus.  It is a period of preparation and Advent begins officially on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, which this year also happens to be December 1st.

It is marked in many ways, traditionally with the lighting of a candle each Sunday, or these days the tradition of an Advent Calendar, where paper doors open to reveal a religious text or image, but in recent years contain a small gift of chocolate, or for the absurdly rich and wealthy, whatever you can afford, such as one of Harper's Bazaar's beauty Advent calendars, with full size beauty products at prices to  make your eyes water.  Maybe you prefer the offerings from Selfridges, to show but a few.  Do Google your favourite store, they all have them, filled with everything from chocolate to cheese, or tea and coffee, Bonne Maman jam, wine, beauty products, ink, stationery, craft supplies, Lego mini kits,  You name it, there's an Advent Calendar to fit the bill. 

Like so many of our Christmas traditions, Advent calendars seem to have originated in Germany, but there are many traditions associated with Advent which vary from country to country and within branches of the Christian faith.  I could be here until next Christmas if I looked at them all!

Here is this year's Advent calendar,

and behind door number one . . . 

In Scandinavian countries, an Advent wreath is popular, with one of four candles lit each Sunday in Advent.  In the 1970's, the Blue Peter Advent Crown was all the rage with children in the UK.  Health and Safety were not an issue back in the day, with flammable tinsel, candles and fire in the mix!

this image is from the Daily Mail . . . 

In true Blue Peter style, here's one I made earlier instructions!

Blue Peter Advent Crown

Until tomorrow . . .