Exploring the History of Advent Calendars and Their Evolution Amy Smith, October 30, 2025October 30, 2025 ‘Tis the season to count down the days until Christmas, and what better way to do so than with an advent calendar? But have you ever wondered about the history behind these festive treasures? Prepare to unwrap a dose of knowledge as we delve into the intriguing evolution of advent calendars. From their humble beginnings in Germany, where children eagerly awaited daily Bible verses, to modern-day store-bought calendars filled with chocolates and trinkets that make adults and children equally as giddy. We’ll explore how this beloved tradition has evolved over time. So grab your Santa hat and get ready for a journey through time that will leave you yearning for December 1st! The Origin of Advent Calendars The origin of Christmas Advent calendars is a fascinating tale that dates back to the early 19th century. It all began in Germany, where religious families would count down the days until Christmas by marking them on doors or walls. The concept of advent countdowns actually has deep historical roots. Traditionally, Advent is a season observed by Christians in preparation for the birth of Jesus Christ. It starts on the fourth Sunday before Christmas and lasts until Christmas Eve, comprising four weeks in total. The purpose of this period is reflection, fasting, and meditation on themes such as hope, peace, joy, and love. Advent calendars provide a fun and interactive way for families to engage in these traditions and celebrate together throughout December. The first-ever printed Advent calendar was made in 1908 by Gerhard Lang, a German publisher. He was inspired by his childhood memories and combined the concept of counting down with small pictures or verses behind each door. Little did he know that this simple idea would revolutionize the way people prepare for Christmas. Over time, Advent calendars evolved beyond just religious symbols and started incorporating chocolates, toys, and even beauty products behind the doors. Today, they have become a cherished tradition around the world, loved not only by children but also adults looking for a daily dose of holiday spirit (and an excuse to indulge in some treats). So next time you open a door on your advent calendar with excitement and anticipation, remember that it all started as a clever solution for impatient little ones – and thank Gerhard Lang for making our countdowns merrier! Early examples of advent countdowns Before fancy chocolate calendars or elaborate beauty boxes, people had more creative ways to mark the days until Christmas. One early example is the advent candle, where a marked candle would be lit each day leading up to Christmas Eve. Not only did this create a cozy atmosphere in homes but also gave everyone a visual reminder of the approaching festivities. Another unique early example of an advent countdown is the advent clock. This clock had 24 doors, one for each day in December leading up to Christmas. Behind each door was a small surprise, like a tiny toy or piece of candy. It was like opening miniature presents every day! How the concept became popularized The countdown to Christmas has always been an exciting time for children and adults alike, but it wasn’t until many years after Gerhard Lang’s nifty idea that the advent countdown became a retail pnenominon. It all started with a stroke of marketing genius from the chocolate industry. Realizing that people were willing to buy just about anything if it was wrapped in festive packaging, they came up with the brilliant idea of creating pre filled advent calendars filled with tiny treats for each day leading up to Christmas. Suddenly, children everywhere were eagerly counting down the days with mouthwatering anticipation (and often getting in trouble for sneaking more candy than just that day’s candy). Modern Day Advent Calendars: A Variety of Options Plus-Plus Advent Calendar The Plus-Plus Advent Calendar is a simple design that fuels creativity with endless possibilities. It is a STEM/STEAM toy that encourages fine motor skills, logic, creativity, and imagination. The calendar includes over 25 unique builds and 600 pieces, with instructions for each build. It is suggested for ages 5 and up and is made from high-quality, eco-friendly plastic. Fanroll Advent Calendar Imagine unwrapping a new surprise each day in December, where every window of the FanRoll Advent Calendar reveals a treasure trove of dice madness. From beautifully crafted resin sets that glimmer with every roll to an exclusive holiday-themed dice set that perfectly captures the spirit of the season, this calendar is a dream come true for any table-top gamer. Nestled amidst these delightful discoveries, you’ll find an exclusive mini set and a striking metal 20-sided die that not only adds flair to your game but also sparks conversations around your gaming table. Plus, the holiday-themed FanRoll dice bag becomes your stylish companion, ready to carry your loot in a way that’s just as festive as it is practical. Each day builds anticipation, adding a sprinkle of excitement and joy to your gaming sessions as you unwrap the magic of dice! The Thames & Cosmos Science Advent Calendar The Thames & Kosmos Science Advent Calendar offers a new science experiment each day leading up to the holiday. Each of the 24 boxes includes experiment materials and instructions. The experiments cover various scientific topics and can be done quickly with common household items. It adds an educational component to the holiday tradition. Upbounders Children’s Advent Calendar 2023 The Upbounders Children’s Advent Calendar 2023 is a colorful sticker advent calendar that allows children to count down to Christmas. It is hassle-free, with 24 unique stickers for children to pick each day. The calendar is designed by Little Likes Kids, a women-owned business that focuses on diversity and love. The package includes the calendar and a sheet of stickers. DIY, chocolate, toys, beauty products, and more When it comes to DIY advent calendars, the possibilities are endless. While store-bought options offer convenience, creating your own calendar allows for a personalized touch and endless creativity. Imagine waking up each morning and finding a miniature toy or beauty product that suits your interests perfectly! Here are ideas on how to make a DIY Advent Calendar Mini envelopes advent calendar: Create a festive advent calendar using mini envelopes. Decorate the envelopes with holiday-themed stickers or stamps, and fill each one with a small surprise or treat. Clothespin advent calendar: Attach colorful clothespins to a string or ribbon and hang them on a wall or mantel. Clip small bags or envelopes filled with treats to each clothespin. Magnetic advent calendar: Purchase a magnetic board or use an old cookie sheet, and attach small metal tins or containers to it. Fill each tin with a surprise, and use magnets with numbers on them to mark each day. Toilet paper roll advent calendar: Gather empty toilet paper rolls and cut them in half. Decorate each roll with festive wrapping paper. Use Disguise the Surprise Christmas Advent Calendar Bundle for a 12 days of Christmas Advent Calendar. Forget about dull chocolate-filled advent calendars; these days, the options for seasonal countdowns are far more exciting! Delight your inner child with tiny toys or indulge in daily beauty treats as you count down to Christmas – all while showcasing your DIY skills. The best part? You get to decide what surprises await behind each door! Here are ideas of what to fill your DIY Countdown with Mini chocolate bars or candy Small bottles of essential oils Mini notebooks or journals Assorted tea bags or hot cocoa mix Mini puzzle games or brain teasers Inspirational quotes or affirmations Conclusion In conclusion, the history of advent calendars is a fascinating journey that has evolved from simple chalk marks to elaborate store-bought wonders. From the early 19th century to present day, these countdown calendars have captured the imagination of children and adults alike. Whether you prefer the convenience of a store-bought calendar adorned with chocolates or the creativity of a DIY version made with love, there’s no denying that advent calendars have become an integral part of holiday traditions worldwide. So this year, as you open each tiny door or unravel a hidden surprise, take a moment to appreciate the rich history behind this beloved Christmas tradition. And who knows, maybe even create your own unique advent calendar masterpiece – after all, ’tis the season for both tradition and innovation! Image Source: Freepik Share on FacebookTweetFollow usSave Gift Guides Holidays