From chalk lines to chocolate chips
For many people in Germany, the anticipation of Christmas begins on December 1 with the opening of the first of 24 Advent calendar doors, behind which are hidden treats such as chocolate and other surprises. The Advent calendar is an old custom that originated in Germany in the 19th century. At a time when there were no festive chocolate or toy calendars, families and especially children counted the days until Christmas in various ways: Some parents drew 24 chalk lines on the wall, one of which the children were allowed to erase each day. Others used Christmas clocks with 24 spaces and a hand that moved forward one step each day. There were also Advent candles with 24 lines, which were allowed to burn a little further each day.
The first printed Advent calendar
In 1904, Gerhard Lang, a German from Malbronn in Baden-Württemberg, introduced the first printed Advent calendar. It was called "In the Land of the Christ Child" and told of the many preparations the Christ Child had to make before Christmas. It had no little doors, but was handmade, consisting of two printed sheets of paper: a larger one with 24 text fields and a smaller one with 24 pictures of religious and Christmas motifs such as angels or winter landscapes. These pictures had to be cut out and pasted onto the date fields.
Gerhard Lang was always coming up with new Advent calendars. He also had the idea to put chocolate inside. The typical Advent calendars with small pieces of chocolate behind each door became very popular after the Second World War and spread as an established custom in German households - and in recent decades also in many other countries where Christmas is celebrated.
Today's Advent calendars in colorful variety
What began as a simple calendar with religious images has grown into a surprisingly diverse tradition. In Germany, there are now Advent calendars for every taste - from classic to modern, from sweet to creative, filled with candy, small toys, cosmetics and other little things. Today, these little December treats account for 100 million euros in sales each year. In some cities, entire building facades are transformed into Advent calendars. Each day, a different motif can be seen behind different illuminated windows.
An overview of the different Advent calendars:
- The classic with chocolate: Probably the best-known Advent calendar has small pieces of chocolate behind each door. This type of calendar is especially popular with children and creates sweet anticipation each day.
- Toy and craft calendars: There are many Advent calendars, especially for children, that contain toys or craft materials. These calendars often have a theme, such as a popular character, and offer a new little surprise each day that can be collected or assembled into a larger whole.
- Beauty and wellness calendars: Beauty and wellness calendars are a particularly popular type of Advent calendar for adults. Behind each door are small beauty products such as creams, face masks or fragrances - perfect for a little daily pampering during the busy month of December.
- Culinary calendars: There are also many interesting options for foodies, such as spice calendars, tea calendars, or even calendars with small spirits or craft beers. These calendars offer a new flavor every day and turn the wait for Christmas into a culinary experience.
- DIY calendars: More and more people in Germany are making their own Advent calendars for their loved ones. They fill small packages or bags with their own ideas, such as handwritten messages, photos or small gifts. This is a very personal option and shows how versatile the Advent calendar can be.
- Virtual advent calendars: With digitization, virtual Advent calendars have also become popular. Online Advent calendars often offer a small daily contest, a discount code or a special surprise - popular with companies that want to reach their customers in a creative way.
A cherished tradition with symbolic power
The Advent calendar is not only a cherished tradition in Germany, but also has a special symbolic power. It heralds the start of the pre-Christmas season and allows us to pause for a moment each day. For children, the calendar is especially important: opening a door each day is a ritual that makes the anticipation of Christmas grow a little each day. For many adults, the Advent calendar is a nostalgic experience that reminds them of their own childhood. Those who want to try this custom will soon find out: Depending on what is hidden behind the little doors, the anticipation can be even sweeter - or more exciting!
