Advent calendars have long been a cherished tradition during December, serving as a daily reminder of the joy and anticipation leading up to Christmas. Millions of people worldwide partake in the Advent calendar tradition annually, with about 50 million calendars sold globally each year, according to marketplace.org. Its enduring popularity highlights the ritual of counting down to Christmas, which is a practice that brings joy and nostalgia to people of all ages.
The origins of these calendars trace back to nineteenth century Germany, where families marked each day of Advent by lighting a candle or chalking a line on the wall, according to npr.org. By the early twentieth century, printed Advent calendars emerged, offering colorful illustrations and small windows that revealed Bible verses, festive images, or treats. Today, there are chocolate-filled calendars, toy calendars, beauty product calendars, and even calendars specific to animals, according to adventofchange.com. Junior Ava Curto reflected on the importance of Advent calendars in her family.
“Advent calendars are important to me because they count down the days till Christmas day,” Ava said. “It is a big deal for my family […] because it gets us excited for Christmas and brings us together as a family. Especially as we get older and my siblings move out, we always are able to remember the joy and memories each piece of chocolate brought us.”
Advent calendars serve as more than just a festive surprise. They are a symbol of the anticipation of the holidays, the spirit of the season, and the joy of shared traditions. Whether it is a simple chocolate calendar or a personalized creation, the act of opening a door each day evokes the excitement and warmth associated with Christmas. Advent calendars’ widespread and perennial popularity suggests that their appeal does not come simply from the chocolate or gifts. Instead, this tradition is about the memories, the anticipation, and the connections that make the holiday season so meaningful, according to christmascentral.com.
Featured Image by Audrey Bakker ’26
