Advent calendars are popular, often containing chocolates or even luxury goods. But what are they and where did they originate? Here's how the faithful use them to prepare for Christmas.

SLOVAK CHRISTMAS 101 In the past, the Spectacular Slovakia podcasts covered the ins and outs of Christmas holidays in Slovakia extensively. What follows below is a selection of a few choice ...

Advent, from “adventus” in Latin meaning “coming,” is the season encompassing the four Sundays and weekdays leading up to Christmas, according to Britannica. In the Christian church ...

Discover the significance of Advent, a season of waiting and preparation before Christmas. Learn about its themes and traditions.

Some churches are arching their backs against earlier and earlier celebrations of Christmas by extending Advent, the season that leads up to Christmas.

The 17th International Advent and Christmas Music Festival will take place in Bratislava from 5 to 8 December, featuring 12 choirs and orchestras from Italy, Estonia, Slovenia, the Czech Republic ...

It's almost time for the 2024 Advent season. Here's more about the traditions that lead up to the Christmas holiday and how we got the calendars.

As Christmas nears, Fr. Jeffrey Kirby of Indian Land, South Carolina, explains why we need to reinvigorate our observance of Advent: It's a "demanding teacher" that offers hope.

What is Advent? Advent is the start of the Christian church's liturgical year. It starts four weeks ahead of Christmas, which is usually the last Sunday in November of the first Sunday of December.

Make one of these DIY advent calendars for Christmas this year! It's the best way to count down the days until Santa visits your house.

For Christians, the weeks leading up to Christmas are also part of a period called Advent, which comes with its own set of traditions. But what is Advent, and when does it officially begin in 2023?