In Norway, Advent is the time of year when Christians count the days to the birth of Christ celebration – Christmas.  Technically Advent starts on the fourth Sunday before 25th December and is remembered each Sunday until Christmas Day.  This season features the colour purple as purple symbolises anticipation and preparation.  Traditionally four purple candles are used to represent each Sunday.  The candles are set in a candelabra or on a decorative plate and progressively lit each Sunday as a primitive calendar to mark the passing time to Christmas.  With each lighting the Advent Song is sung.  During this season it is also common to highlight the house with purple things – cushions, linen, towels and plates etc.

A more recent tradition is the Advent or Christmas Calendar.  The calendars start a countdown from the 1st December to the 24th.  This is in no doubt designed for every child, young and old, to anticipate Christmas with little treats and sweets hidden in its pockets.  Wall hangings with doors or pockets are most common, however, there are also many modern varieties such as boxes with draws, a string of mini stockings or a hanging clothesline with pegs.

Another traditional Advent Calendar is made with an orange and cloves.  24 cloves are spiked into the orange which makes a yummy Christmasy smell.  Each day a clove is taken out and when there are none left you’ll know tomorrow is Christmas Day. These calendars are very decorative and are perfect to rest in table wreaths, to put on the dinning table or with Christmas platters.