📜 1. Reading: From Chalk Marks to Luxury Goods
While millions of people open a door on their calendar every December morning, few know the origin of this beloved tradition. It began in 19th-century Germany, not with chocolate, but with simple chalk marks. Religious families would make a line on the door for every day of December to build anticipation for Christmas Eve.
The modern printed calendar is attributed to Gerhard Lang. As a child, his mother sewed 24 cookies onto a piece of cardboard for him to eat during the countdown. Inspired by this memory, Lang produced the first printed version in the early 1900s. Behind each door, one would find a religious image or a bible verse to symbolize the holiday spirit.
In the 1950s, the tradition became heavily commercialized when Cadbury introduced the first chocolate advent calendar. Suddenly, the focus shifted from spiritual reflection to a daily sweet treat.
Today, the market has exploded. You can find luxury calendars filled with expensive cosmetics, craft beer, or even jewelry. Despite these modern alternative versions, the core concept remains the same: a daily ritual to celebrate heritage and enjoy the festive season.
🔗 2. Vocabulary Memory Match
Match the term to its definition. Correct pairs will disappear and reappear at the end!
❓ 3. Comprehension Check
Select the correct answer based on the text.
1. How did the tradition originally start in Germany?
2. What inspired Gerhard Lang to create the printed calendar?
3. How has the tradition changed in modern times?
📝 4. Contextual Gap Fill
Complete the sentences using the vocabulary from the text.
Word Bank
1. Many people do not know the ____ of the Christmas tree; they think it's just decoration.
2. The feeling of ____ grew as Christmas day approached.
3. Some argue that Christmas has become too ____, focusing only on shopping.
4. If you don't like chocolate, you can buy an ____ calendar with cheese or tea.
5. Learning about our cultural ____ helps us understand who we are.
🎉 Lesson Complete & Summary
Well done! Review the definitions below.
- Anticipation
- Origin
- Commercialized
- Symbolize
- Heritage
- Alternative
- Countdown
- Luxury