When we are waiting for Christmas in Sweden.
Advent time starts at the first of four Sundays before Christmas, 
and in this period of the year we lighten candles in our homes,
 and in the churches we sing special corals of Advent. 
First Sunday, one candle, secon Sunday two,
and so on, til the fourth sunday of Advent, then Christmas is here!

It´s a nice time of the year, because we live in a dark part of the 
world, and it´s cozy with all the candles and electric stars in the windows.
The word Advent comes from lathin, adventus, which means arrival.
In the old days this was a period for gathering and to prepare for
the coming Chrismas. All noisy and hard work outside was forbidden,
it was only allowed to do quiet work inside the house.

According to old stories at some places in Sweden, it was not
 a good idea to prepare for weddings during this time,
 because it could make it hard
to be pregnant!

I don´t think anyone believes in this nowadays :)