Each Sunday after Thanksgiving; we gather around a wreath with four candles in it, and one candle in the center.

Advent derives from the Latin word adventus which means 'coming'.

This season proclaims the comings of Christ-whose birth we prepare to celebrate once again, who comes continually in Word and Spirit, and whose return in final victory we anticipate.

The wreath stands for eternity and the endless nature of God's love. Traditionally the four candles in the wreath are purple. Purple stands for royalty, and reclaiming penitence. We remember the coming of our king.

Sometimes the candles are blue. Blue is for hope that God filled his chosen people with, when prophets told of the coming of the Messiah.

The candle in the center is white. That one signifies Jesus.

On the first Sunday, we light the first candle.

My grandmother called it stirring day. The day the fruit cakes and puddings had to be stirred.

The second Sunday, after Thanksgiving we light the same candle we lit last week. Then we light the second candle.

On the third Sunday, we light the first two candles. Then we light up the third.

On the Sunday before Christmas, the first three candles are lit. Then the forth candle is lit.

The light of the candles grow brighter as each week passes. Every weekend it is that much closer to Christmas.

This one is lit on Christmas Day. Now, all the candles are lit.

Every year Mom would buy a new one. Now we can count down the days through calendars online.

Castle Arcana This site has a online version like the advent calendars we use to use when we were kids.

Christmas Cookie Recipe Countdown This site has a different cookie recipe everyday. The also have cake and a candy recipe advent calendar.

Yule in Iceland also has a fine advent calendar.