The History and Timeless Tradition of Advent Calendars
The Magic Behind Kids Advent Calendars: A Timeless Christmas Tradition
There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about counting down the days until Christmas. For many families, advent calendars are more than just a festive decoration—they’re a cherished tradition that brings daily moments of joy and anticipation.
Let's unwrap what makes Advent calendars so special and how advent calendars began.
The History of Advent Calendars
The advent calendar tradition began in 19th-century Germany, where devout families would mark the days of December leading up to Christmas Eve with simple acts of devotion. Some families drew chalk lines on doors, while others lit candles or placed a new religious picture on the wall each day.
By the early 1900s, the first printed advent calendars appeared, often illustrated with biblical scenes or snowy villages. In 1908, a German printer named Gerhard Lang created the first mass-produced paper advent calendar with little doors to open—each revealing a picture, verse, or tiny treat. His idea quickly spread throughout Europe and became a beloved part of Christmas celebrations worldwide.
In 1902 the Protestant book-shop Friedrich Trümpler in Hamburg published the first printed advent calendar in the form of a Christmas clock for children.
Advent calendars are traditionally Christian, as they are tied to the celebration of Christmas and the Advent season (from the Latin adventus, meaning “coming”). However, some secular or interfaith families may enjoy advent-style calendars simply as a festive way to countdown to Christmas—using them more as a cultural celebration than a religious one.
So while they began in Christian homes, today advent calendars are enjoyed by anyone excited for Christmas, regardless of religious affiliation
As the decades passed, advent calendars evolved from religious imagery to whimsical designs featuring toys, chocolates, and miniature surprises—turning the countdown to Christmas into an enchanting experience for children everywhere.
The first printed advent calendar in the form of a Christmas clock
