A festive countdown to the holiday, typically a cardboard box or other container with numbered doors or compartments, each concealing a sweet treat. These treats are revealed one day at a time, beginning on December 1st and culminating on Christmas Eve. Variations exist with small toys or other gifts replacing or supplementing the confectionery contents.
This tradition offers a tangible way to mark the passage of time leading up to Christmas, building anticipation and excitement, particularly for children. It provides a daily ritual, a small moment of pleasure and a shared family experience. Historically, Advent calendars originated in 19th-century Germany, initially involving simple practices like marking days on walls with chalk or lighting candles. The first printed Advent calendar appeared in the early 20th century, and the inclusion of sweets became common in the post-World War II era.
