A traditional holiday countdown, particularly popular in Germany, involves daily treats concealed within a calendar with numbered doors or windows, one for each day of Advent leading up to Christmas. These treats often consist of small chocolates, sometimes reflecting German confectionery traditions. For instance, some calendars feature marzipan, Lebkuchen (gingerbread), or other regional specialties.
These calendars contribute significantly to the festive anticipation surrounding Christmas, particularly for children. The daily ritual of opening a new window offers a tangible way to mark the passage of time until Christmas Day. Furthermore, they can showcase the craftsmanship of German chocolatiers and introduce consumers to the unique flavors of German sweets. The tradition of Advent calendars originated in the 19th century in Germany, evolving from simpler practices like marking days with chalk or lighting candles. The integration of chocolate became more common in the 20th century.