Advent calendars are special time-keeping calendars that mark the countdown to the end of Advent. Advent begins the fourth Sunday before Crhistmas—falling between Nov. 27 and Dec. 3—and ends on Christmas Eve.
Advent calendars are typically paper or multi-chambered wooden boxes marked with the days of Advent, with little doors or flaps for each day of the Advent period. The flap or door on the corresponding Advent day opens to reveal a special picture or a fun prize for that day, such as a little toy or piece of candy. Household customs vary from a different person opening a panel each day of the season to a single designated person revealing and passing out the surprise inside.