As December draws near, there’s a sense of magic in the air. The twinkle of Christmas lights, the sound of carols, and the comforting anticipation of the holiday season fill homes across the country. And for many, the festive countdown begins with a little daily delight in the form of an Advent Calendar. A series of tiny doors, each one hiding various stocking filler treats, drawing you ever closer to Christmas Day.
But have you ever stopped to think about where the Advent calendar tradition comes from? And why do we gift them to loved ones year after year? Join me as we unwrap the fascinating history of Advent calendars and explore why they continue to be such a beloved part of the Christmas season.
The Origin of Advent: From the Church to the Calendar
To understand the Advent calendar, we first need to look at Advent itself. In Christian tradition, Advent is the period of four weeks leading up to Christmas, a time of preparation and reflection in anticipation of the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. The word “Advent” comes from the Latin word adventus, meaning "coming" or "arrival."
The concept of marking time during Advent dates back to the early Church, when Christians would fast and pray in preparation for Christmas, much like Lent before Easter. Advent was considered a time of penitence and spiritual readiness. While the practices around Advent varied across different regions and centuries, the focus was always on preparing the heart and mind for the significance of Christ’s arrival.
However, the Advent calendar as we know it today — with its numbered windows and hidden surprises — didn’t emerge until much later.
The Advent Calendar’s Humble Beginnings
The earliest Advent calendars were far more modest than the elaborate versions we see today. The tradition of marking the days leading up to Christmas started in the 19th century in Germany. Families, particularly those with children, would create simple ways to count down the days. Some would mark each day with a chalk line on the door, while others might light a candle or hang a small religious picture.
The first known Advent calendar can be traced back to 1839, when a German pastor named Johann Hinrich Wicherncreated what is often considered the precursor to the modern Advent calendar. Wichern worked with poor children and sought to make the countdown to Christmas more exciting for them. He created a wreath with 24 small candles and four larger candles, the smaller candles representing the days of Advent, and the larger ones representing each Sunday leading up to Christmas. The lighting of these candles became a daily ritual, bringing anticipation and joy to the children.
This wreath was not quite the calendar we know today, but it set the foundation for what would come next: a physical way to mark time, each day building up excitement for the main event.
The First Printed Advent Calendar
The Advent calendar as we recognise it — a printed calendar with doors that open to reveal images or treats — began in the early 20th century in Germany. The first known printed Advent calendar is credited to Gerhard Lang, a German publisher. In the early 1900s, Lang created a calendar inspired by one his mother had made for him as a child. She had sewn 24 little pockets onto a piece of cardboard, and each day, Gerhard would receive a small sweet from one of the pockets.
Lang took this idea and turned it into a commercial product. His first printed Advent calendars featured 24 little doors, and behind each door was a small religious picture or verse from the Bible. These early calendars were simple, but they quickly gained popularity, especially with children who loved the excitement of discovering what was hidden behind each door.
Lang continued to produce Advent calendars until World War II, when cardboard was rationed, and the production of calendars halted. After the war, the tradition was revived, and Advent calendars began to spread beyond Germany, gaining popularity throughout Europe and, eventually, the world.
From Religious Symbols to Sweet Surprises
While the earliest Advent calendars focused on religious imagery — with scenes from the Nativity, Bible verses, and images of angels — over time, the content behind the doors began to change. By the mid-20th century, Advent calendars started to include more secular images: Santa Claus, reindeer, snowmen, and winter scenes, appealing to a broader audience.
The biggest shift, however, came with the introduction of chocolate Advent calendars in the 1950s. Suddenly, the simple joy of opening a door each day was coupled with the even sweeter reward of a piece of chocolate. These calendars were an instant hit, particularly with children (and let’s be honest, adults too). Chocolate made the countdown to Christmas even more exciting, and soon, this version of the Advent calendar became the standard in homes across the UK and beyond.
Why Do We Gift Advent Calendars?
At its core, the tradition of gifting Advent calendars is about sharing in the joy and anticipation of the Christmas season. An Advent calendar is a way to slow down the often hectic holiday rush, encouraging us to take a moment each day to pause, reflect, and enjoy a little treat. The excitement builds as the days go by, turning what can feel like an overwhelming lead-up to Christmas into something that is fun and engaging, especially for children.
But it’s not just the anticipation that makes Advent calendars special; it’s also the personal connection that comes with gifting them. When you give someone an Advent calendar, you're offering them a small daily moment of joy, a little gift each morning. It’s a way to show thoughtfulness and care, especially during a season that’s all about giving.
Advent calendars also speak to the importance of tradition. Many of us have fond memories of opening our Advent calendars as children, carefully peeling back each door to reveal the day’s surprise. Gifting an Advent calendar to a loved one allows them to create their own special memories, carrying on a tradition that has been passed down through generations.
Advent Calendars Today: A World of Possibilities
While traditional chocolate Advent calendars remain incredibly popular, in recent years the market for Advent calendars has expanded in ways that would have surprised even Gerhard Lang! Today, there’s an Advent Calendar for everyone, no matter what your tastes or interests.
From beauty Advent calendars filled with skincare products and makeup, to whisky or gin Advent calendars featuring a mini bottle of spirit behind each door, the possibilities are endless. You can find calendars filled with toys for children, gourmet food items, luxury tea bags, or even craft beers for the discerning adult.
The rise of DIY Advent calendars has also added a new level of personalisation to the tradition. Many people now make their own calendars, filling them with small gifts, handwritten notes, or special surprises tailored to the recipient. This allows for an even more personal touch, making the countdown to Christmas feel unique and meaningful.
The Joy of Counting Down
In the end, the appeal of Advent calendars comes down to the joy of anticipation. Christmas is a time of celebration, family, and togetherness, but it’s also a season steeped in anticipation. The Advent calendar embodies that feeling of eager expectation, allowing us to savour the build-up to Christmas one day at a time.
Whether you’re peeling back a cardboard door to reveal a piece of chocolate or opening a miniature bottle of gin, the excitement is the same. Each day brings us one step closer to Christmas, and each tiny gift is a reminder of the joy and generosity that the season represents.
So, as you gift an Advent calendar this year, remember that you're sharing in a tradition that dates back centuries. From simple chalk lines on a door to elaborate calendars filled with surprises, the Advent calendar has become a beloved part of the festive season, bringing joy to people of all ages.
And who knows? Behind that next door might just be the sweetest surprise of all.
