At Shelf Indulgence, we love a good seasonal tradition, especially one that mixes stories, surprises, and a daily moment of joy. Advent calendars tick all those boxes. But where did they actually come from? And how did we get from simple paper windows to today’s luxury creations packed with cheese, Lego, or even diamonds? Let’s take a wander through the surprisingly rich history of Advent calendars.
Where It All Began: The First Advent Countdowns
The roots of Advent calendars can be traced back to 19th-century Germany. Long before cardboard doors and chocolate-filled pockets existed, families marked the days of Advent with simple, homemade rituals:
-
Chalk marks on a door or wall
-
Lighting a candle each day
-
Hanging a devotional picture or Bible verse
The earliest known “calendar” of this type dates to the early 1800s, when Protestant families developed daily countdown traditions to build excitement for Christmas. The concept spread quietly for decades, evolving from chalk streaks into handcrafted decorations displayed in family homes.
The First Printed Advent Calendars
Things really changed in the late 19th century. In the 1880s and 1890s, German printers began producing early Advent-themed cards and calendars. But the milestone moment came in 1908, when Gerhard Lang, considered the father of the modern Advent calendar, produced the first commercial version.
Lang’s childhood had included a homemade calendar, his mother glued 24 little sweets onto a card, one for each day. As an adult, he adapted the idea for printing: a card with 24 small pictures children could cut out and stick into place each day. Soon after, printers added little doors to open, and the tradition we know today was born.
By the 1920s, Advent calendars were part of festive life across Germany and were beginning to spread across Europe.
Chocolate Changes Everything
It wasn’t until the 1950s that chocolate became a regular feature. Several companies experimented with chocolate Advent calendars before WWII, but the war halted production, cardboard was rationed, and many calendars were destroyed.
Once chocolate was widely available again, manufacturers embraced it. By the 1970s and 1980s, chocolate Advent calendars were a global staple, beloved by children everywhere and fiercely fought over by siblings who tried to sneak tomorrow’s chocolate early. (We’ve all done it.)
Advent Calendars Go Wild: Creativity, Luxury & the Rise of the “Extreme Calendar”
Fast forward to today, and Advent calendars have become a playground for creativity. While the classic paper and chocolate versions are still cherished, there’s now a calendar for almost every hobby, interest, and indulgence, including the wonderfully quirky and delightfully over-the-top.
Some of the most extreme Advent calendars ever made include:
Tiffany & Co.’s £100,000 Advent Calendar
Released a few years ago, this towering luxury calendar contained diamonds, fine jewellery, and silver décor, more bank vault than bookshelf.
Wine, Gin, and Craft Beer Calendars
Because why shouldn’t adults get a treat too? Many craft brands now offer premium Advent sets with 24 bottles or tasters.
The Giant Cheese Advent Calendar
An internet sensation, this calendar from So Wrong It’s Nom made an entire month of cheese completely acceptable. Bless them.
The Lego Advent Calendar Empire
Lego has mastered the art of daily delights with themed calendars covering Star Wars, Harry Potter, Marvel, City, and more. They’ve become collectibles in their own right.
The £10 Million “Ultimate” Advent Calendar
Yes, really. Created as a one-off by a luxury jeweller, it included gemstones, designer watches, and… well, everything except a justification for the price tag.
From tea to tarot cards, lip balms to mini novels, there seems to be no limit to what can be put behind a tiny cardboard door.
Why We Still Love Advent Calendars
Despite their evolution, from chalk lines to cardboard to couture, Advent calendars endure because they evoke the simple magic of anticipation. Each day brings a moment of delight, a pause amid the December rush, and a small ritual that invites us to slow down.
At Shelf Indulgence, we’re all about celebrating those small rituals. Whether you favour a traditional paper calendar, a chocolatey treat, or something a little quirky, Advent calendars remind us that the season is best savoured one day at a time.
