Over time there have been alternative names for the Advent period including Christmas Lent, Nativity Fast and Winter Lent.
Question: What is the earliest date that Advent can begin and the latest date that Advent can begin?
Answer: Advent can start as early as November 27 or as late as December 3. Advent includes four Sundays before Christmas. If Christmas falls on a Monday (one day after the fourth Sunday of Advent), it will be a short Advent season starting on December 3. If Christmas falls on a Sunday (seven days after the fourth Sunday of Advent), it will be a longer Advent season starting on November 27.