Filling an advent calendar involves selecting small gifts or treats to be revealed each day leading up to Christmas. These can range from simple candies and small toys to more personalized items like beauty products or gift cards. A child’s calendar might contain small cars or hair accessories, while an adult’s might feature gourmet chocolates or miniature bottles of liquor.
This tradition offers a tangible way to mark the anticipation of Christmas, building excitement throughout December. For children, it fosters patience and provides a daily dose of festive cheer. For adults, it can be a fun way to indulge in small luxuries or share a special moment with loved ones. The practice originated in the 19th century with German Lutherans marking the days of Advent with chalk marks on doors or candles. Over time, this evolved into printed calendars with windows to open, eventually leading to the filled calendars we recognize today.