At the beginning of the nineteenth century American Christmas celebrations varied considerably from region to region. These variations reflected religious and ethnic differences in the population.

Many Christians enhance their observance of ADVENT with an Advent WREATH.

A number of different ADVENT customs require the lighting of candles. Some writers believe that the use of candles during Advent may have been adopted from the fires and lights that illuminated pre-Christian midwinter festivals.

Advent calendars help children count the days between the beginning of Advent and Christmas.

The word “Advent” comes from the Latin word adventus, which means “coming” or “arrival.”

According to the Bible’s Book of Genesis, God created the first man and woman and invited them to live in a heavenly place called the Garden of Eden.