1st - 24th December. Advent is a season observed in many Christian churches as a time of expectant waiting and preparation for both the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas and the return of Jesus at the Second Coming. The term is a version of the Latin word meaning "coming".
The Advent calendars I had as a child always had a piece of chocolate in them with a bigger piece on Christmas Day.
Sometimes, I cheated and opened the next day one as well so that I could have two pieces of chocolate. I never opened the Christmas Day one before Christmas Day though. That would have been a terrible thing to do. :-)
I know about the Christian period called Advent, I even know what its etymological origin is. I'm saying Advent calendars are not specifically religious - it seems they were a novelty first thought up by a German in the nineteenth century (that bit I didn't know).
We were sent a beer one last year, from a particular brewery. Given that neither of us particularly like fancy craft beers, and were away for a fair bit so didn’t open the beers on the right day, it was a bit of a waste of money.
Personally, I’d prefer the amount of money spent on a gin or other alcoholic type calendar, to be spent on a decent bottle..or even two judging by the price..of something I really like.
‘Advent’ I would guess to most people means more about the advent calendars than the meaning of advent. Advent calendars have been around for ages and certainly in our family have nothing to do with the meaning specifically of ‘advent’ but more to do with opening the windows in them and getting the treat out.
Thanks to everyone for your answers. The calendar is for my mum. I got her one last year from Aldi (a present from the Tiny one) which was under £40 and she absolutely loved it. I want to splash out a bit more this year as she's now giving us 2 days' childcare per week. I haven't found one yet but I'll do some research later.
I have, however, been lucky enough to get a No. 7 and a M&S Beauty Calendar. If anyone's looking and can't get them in-store or online, there's loads on eBay.