It's a well-loved tradition, counting down the days to Christmas, and with just over three weeks until you open that first advent calendar door, we take a look at the alternative options on offer ...

In the Christian church calendar, Advent is a period of preparation ... reports Christianity. During Advent, a nativity scene is usually blessed on the Vigil of Christmas. If set up at home ...

The original advent calendar goes back to 19th-century Germany, where Protestants marked the days left before Christmas in creative ways — lighting candles, placing straws in a Nativity crib ...