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The Joy of Traditional Advent Calendars
There’s something truly magical about counting down to Christmas. And nothing captures that magic quite like a traditional Advent calendar.
We’re not talking about chocolate. We mean the classic kind: beautifully illustrated windows that open to reveal festive scenes, Bible verses, nostalgic artwork, or tiny stories. The ones that bring back childhood memories and help us slow down, reflect, and reconnect with what this season is really about.
A Brief History of the Advent Calendar
The Advent calendar originated in Germany in the mid 19th century (1800’s) when German Protestant families began marking the days of Advent, the period leading up to Christmas, starting on December 1st, in simple, creative ways.
- Chalk Marks: Families would draw 24 lines of chalk on a door or wall, and children would wipe one away each day in December.
- Candles: Lighting a new small candle or marking a large candle with 24 lines, burning it down to the next mark each day
- Hanging Pictures: Some families would hang a small, festive, or religious picture on the wall for each day of December.
These methods helped children count down the days to Christmas Eve, which is traditionally when Germans exchange gifts.
Who created the first printed Advent calendar?
The first commercially printed Advent calendar is credited to Gerhard Lang, a German printer from Maulbronn, in the early 20th century.
As a child, Lang’s mother had made him a homemade calendar with 24 small sweets or cookies attached to a piece of cardboard, allowing him to eat one each day. Inspired by that memory, he produced a calendar with 24 small pictures that children could glue to a cardboard backing — known as “Christmas Calendar” or “Munich Christmas Calendar.”
Later, Lang improved the design to include little doors that opened to reveal pictures and sometimes Bible verses or festive illustrations behind them.
Lang’s calendars became popular in Germany in the early 20th century, but production paused during World War II due to paper rationing.
When did chocolate Advent calendars appear?
Chocolate Advent calendars began appearing in the 1950s, after World War II, when chocolate production became more commercially viable again.
One of the first mass producers of chocolate-filled Advent calendars was the German company Stollwerck, which helped popularise the sweet-filled version that became beloved across Europe and eventually worldwide.
Over time, the concept evolved to include not just chocolates, but also toys, beauty products, tea, alcohol, and even digital experiences.
Why buy a Traditional Advent Calendar?
There’s something joyful about opening a tiny door each morning to reveal a snowy village, a glowing candle in a church window, or a child placing a star on the tree.
In a season that can sometimes feel rushed and commercial, traditional Advent calendars offer a quiet moment of reflection, helping us reconnect with the true meaning of Christmas.
- They’re More Meaningful Than Ever
Unlike throwaway novelty calendars, traditional ones often focus on faith, family, and giving. They remind us that the countdown to Christmas isn’t just about gifts, but about hope, peace, and togetherness.
Even better, many of our charity Advent calendars support important causes across the UK. So every door you open is not just a treat for you, but a step toward helping someone else too.
- They’re Beautiful to Display
Whether it’s a vintage-style nativity or a charming winter landscape, these calendars double as Christmas decorations. Hang them in the hallway, pin them on the fridge, or let the children take turns opening the windows.
They’re reusable, frameable, and often so lovely you’ll want to keep them for years to come.
- They’re a Thoughtful Gift That Gives Back
A traditional Advent calendar makes a thoughtful gift, perfect for grandparents, godchildren, neighbours, or anyone who appreciates a touch of old-fashioned festive charm. And when you buy from us, you’re doing double the good – spreading joy and supporting life-changing charitable work.
Keep the Tradition Going
In a world of instant deliveries and digital distractions, there’s something beautifully grounding about opening one tiny door at a time.
Whether you’re re-living childhood memories or starting a new tradition with your family, a traditional Advent calendar brings joy, meaning, and a sense of calm to the Christmas countdown.
Explore Our Advent Collection
We offer a beautiful selection of traditional Advent calendars available online and in our pop-up shops. From hand-illustrated nativity scenes and snowy villages, to faith-based calendars with Bible verses, we have a wonderful range to suit all ages.
And every calendar supports UK charities doing vital work.
