I know, I know…we just opened the calendar to November. I admit I’m jumping ahead with this post. But it requires a little advance planning, if “it” finds a spot on your Christmas list. Either as a treasured family tradition or as a gift for a treasured person in your life.
“It” being an Advent calendar. I’ve always loved these calendars. The joyful anticipation they build up to the wonderful Christmas story. Counting the days from December 1 to Christmas Eve. This aligns with the Christian Advent period that prepares for the coming (adventus in Latin) of Jesus Christ. For some families this period is a tradition and holds a special place in the hearts of many. It transforms the four weeks before Christmas into a daily celebration. The calendar revealing small surprises behind each door or window.
Do you know the fascinating history of the Advent calendar? I didn’t. Here’s what I learned. Read to the end for a little assistance finding the perfect Advent calendar for 2025.
The humble beginning
The Advent calendar history began in 19th-century Germany among Lutheran families eager to enhance the anticipation of Christmas. Early methods were simple. Families would make chalk marks on doors or walls. They made one mark for each day of December leading up to Christmas Eve. This visual countdown helped children grasp the passage of time until the holiday arrived. By the mid-19th century, the concept evolved as families started crafting homemade Advent calendars. These often involved attaching 24 devotional images or scripture verses to a piece of cardboard. They would display them prominently in the home. Revealing a new picture each day provided a moment for reflection on the spiritual significance of the season.
Shift to printed calendars gain in popularity
The shift from handmade to printed calendars occurred in the early 20th century. In 1908, Gerhard Lang, a German publisher from Munich, produced and printed what is considered in advent calendar history as the first Advent calendar with doors to open. Drawing inspiration from his mother’s tradition of affixing tiny pictures to cardboard, Lang’s design featured 24 doors hiding festive images or biblical passages. This interactive element captivated the public and laid the foundation for the modern Advent calendar, combining anticipation with daily surprises.
Following Gerhard Lang’s innovative calendars in the early 20th century, the Advent calendar tradition quickly gained popularity across Germany. By the 1920s, mass production made them widely accessible and a holiday staple in German households. The excitement of discovering a new image or message daily resonated with children and adults, cementing the Advent calendar as a cherished custom.
Adding chocolates increases the appeal
In the 1930s, chocolates behind each door added a sweet delight to the daily ritual. Marking a pivotal moment in the history of Advent calendars. This development significantly increased their appeal. Especially among children and represented a shift toward more commercial calendar versions. World War II caused a temporary halt in production due to material shortages and restrictions. Richard Sellmer of Stuttgart revived the tradition in 1946. His company played a pivotal role in reintroducing Advent calendars in Germany and internationally, further enriching advent calendar history.
Tradition spreads to the USA
The tradition spread to the United States in the 1950s. Gaining notable attention when President Dwight D. Eisenhower was photographed opening an Advent calendar with his grandchildren. This endorsement helped integrate the custom into American holiday culture, adding a significant milestone to the advent calendar’s history.
Designs and concepts embrace secular themes
From the 1960s onward, Advent calendars diversified in design and content, embracing secular themes like Santa Claus and winter landscapes. In the 21st century, they began to include a variety of surprises. These surprises could be toys, beauty products, or even digital experiences.
Global phenom today
Today, Advent calendars are a global phenomenon. Available in countless variations including advent calendar candles or a wooden advent calendar puzzle, embodying the joy and anticipation of the holiday season—a testament to the rich advent calendar history that has evolved over centuries. Among the most popular modern options is the jigsaw puzzle advent calendar for adults, which combines the excitement of daily surprises with the satisfaction of solving puzzles.
Well, now we know. From a simple family tradition in Germany now celebrated all over the world.
If you’re looking for calendar options to purchase, I ran across a link on Oprah Daily you might find helpful. Please note, I am not earning any affiliate compensation with any of these links. Just sharing.
Retail Options (for all age groups) double clink on this link.
If you’re more of a DIYer, double click on link below.
DIY Options by Kristen of The 5th Sparrow No More
Question: Do you and your family set out an Advent calendar during the Christmas season? And/or do you give them as a gift? Or both?
Feel free to share photos of your calendar. Or share a link to calendars you’ve purchased an loved. Here’s some pictures and video I found.
Thanks for stopping by. Until next time, have a good day. ~ Hollie
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