Online Advent Calendars - Perfect for Travelers

Not to date myself, but when I was growing up there was no such thing as an Online Advent Calendar.  I did have regular advent calendars though growing up in Canada, and loved them.  I remember racing out of bed each morning to open the next door of my advent calendar to see what that day would bring.  My favorite advent calendars were the ones that contained chocolate.  It was the only time we were allowed to eat chocolate before breakfast.  I haven't had an Advent Calendar in years, but plan to this year since I'm living in Germany and advent calendars were first invented by Germans. 

An online advent calendar is a modern twist on an old tradition and while there's no chocolate in an online advent calendar (...sigh), you do get other treats that may include short films, games, trivia, art work or acoustical treats, depending on the calendar you choose!  I love the idea of an online advent calendar, especially for travelers who are spending Christmas away from family and friends.  An online advent calendar can be a great way to stay connected through the holidays - you can agree on an online advent calendar, then "open" the same door each day, thinking of the other person as you do so.  I think an online advent calendar would work especially well for travelers wanting to  keep in touch with nieces/nephews, or kids of friends back home as well.

Here are a few interesting ones that I've found:

• Christmas Around the World Online Advent Calendar - shows how Christmas is celebrated in a different country each day (how perfect is that for travelers!)
• German Online Advent Calendar - with a different fact each day about Christmas (in English) (guess which one I'm sending to family :) 
•  Electronic December Online Advent Calendar - this is one of my favorites!  They have a call for submissions from young Europeans and then include the best "digital delights" including short films, games, animations and interactive pieces.  Genius!
• Traditional Santa Clause Online Advent Calendar - with a different image for each day
• Guardian Online Advent Calendar - This one made me laugh and has sound effects for some of the days
• Tate Modern Kids Online Advent Calendar - shows a different piece of artwork everyday, with a short explanation.  I think kids who were interested in art would like this one.
• Beliefnet Online Advent Calendar - a religious calendar where each day relieves part of the bigger picture which is revealed in full on Dec 25 
• Liverpool National Museum Online Advent Calendar - I can't open this one, but it promises to be educational
• Mousevent Online Advent Calendar - an audio online advent calendar for Disney lovers
• Boowa and Kwala Online Advent Calendar - I can't open this one either, but it looks cute and as it's on a child friendly site, it should be suitable for children
• UK Bingo Online Advent Calendar - I can't open this one either, but it sounds intriguing - if you like Bingo (which I don't)

 The holidays can be tough on travelers who may be missing family and friends more than usual.  I know that one of my favorite things about the holidays is seeing my friends more often and reconnecting with people I haven't seen for a while.  Spending the holidays in a different country, where Christmas may not even be celebrated can be tough, especially if you are traveling alone or haven't made any friends yet.  An online advent calendar is one way that may help you to feel connected with those you are missing!  I know that I certainly plan to try it this year!

Please share any links to good online advent calendars that you have found.

You may also be interested in:
How to Celebrate Christmas While Living Abroad
Elf Yourself - Great for Travelers
5 Facts About Christmas in Germany
5 Tips for Going to a Christmas Market in Germany