The Advent Calendar traces its origins to 19th Century Germany, where it was used by Lutherans to encourage children to count down the days to Christmas.  Generally it consisted of a paper picture, often of a religious theme, with 24 doors.  Each door concealed a picture or a Bible verse or (usually very bad) candy.  … Continue reading The 24 Days of Blogging Day 9: Before there was “Elf on a Shelf,” there was…