Date
Wednesday
Nov

November 6

National Advent Calendar Day

Unwrap the joy of holiday anticipation on National Advent Calendar Day! Countdown the festive season with daily little surprises and love.

Type
Day

Introduction

Jumpstart your holiday excitement on National Advent Calendar Day on November 6! This wonderful tradition can be traced back to the 19th-century Germans who would mark off the days until Christmas with chalk lines or by lighting candles. Then in the early 1900s, the first printed advent calendars were produced which were filled with holy images. Today, these whimsical countdown calendars can be filled with anything from chocolates to toys, teas, and even wine! So, let's welcome the season of giving and start the countdown to Christmas in the most delightful way. Unwrap the joy of holiday anticipation on this special day and spread the Christmas cheer all around. Happy National Advent Calendar Day!

National Advent Calendar Day Timeline

1800s
Advent Calendar Origin
The tradition of counting down to Christmas began in Germany where people marked off days on a physical object such as a candle or chalk lines.
1908
First Printed Advent Calendars
Gerhard Lang is credited with creating the first printed Advent Calendar, which was inspired by a calendar his mom made for him featuring 24 small colored pictures that attached to a piece of cardboard.
1920
Advent Calendars Evolve
Advent Calendars were commercialized and commonly featured little doors in the early 20's. Gerhard Lang modified his calendar design and added little doors.
1946
Post WWII Resurgence
After a pause in production during WWII because of a shortage of cardboard, advent calendars got their revival post-war in 1946 in Richard Sellmer of Stuttgart's design.
1958
Advent Calendars in America
The first Advent Calendar with chocolate was created by Cadbury in the UK. Advent Calendars were becoming more common in the United States around this time.
2019
Modern Advent Calendars
Fast forward to modern day, advent calendars feature a wide range of goodies like chocolates, toys, teas, beauty products and even wine and cheeses!

How to Celebrate National Advent Calendar Day

1

Create your own Advent Calendar

Nothing ramps up the holiday cheer like a DIY Advent Calendar. Use boxes, envelopes, or even socks to put together a unique, custom-made calendar filled with small surprises for every day leading up to Christmas.

2

Host an Advent Calendar swap

Get friends or family members to partake in the holiday fun by organizing an Advent Calendar swap. Each person brings a unique Advent Calendar to exchange for another and everyone leaves with a delightful surprise!

3

Have an Advent Calendar-themed party

Invite friends over for an Advent Calendar-themed party. Everything from the décor to the treats can revolve around this Christmas countdown concept, making for a festive and fun gathering.

4

Donate an Advent Calendar

In the spirit of the season, consider purchasing Advent Calendars to donate to local charities, children's hospitals, or shelters. It's a sweet way to spread holiday cheer to those who could use it the most.

5

Start a tradition with a reusable Advent Calendar

Invest in or craft a reusable Advent Calendar. Whether made from wood, fabric, or another durable material, this item can become a cherished holiday tradition passed down through generations.

Why We Love National Advent Calendar Day

A

Increases Holiday Anticipation

Advent calendars serve as a fun and interactive way to count down the days until Christmas. Each day brings a new tiny surprise, effectively building up anticipation and joy for the big day. This element of measurable anticipation only amplifies the holiday spirit and gives us something to look forward to each day.

B

Offers Daily Surprises

The highlight of each Advent calendar is undoubtedly the daily treats that lie behind each door or window. These could be chocolates, toys, or pictures, or anything else that fits the theme. The pleasant surprises make each day special and contribute to making this time of year feel festive and cheery.

C

Carries Meaningful Tradition

The tradition of using Advent calendars dates back to the 19th century, giving us a sense of connection to past holiday celebrations. Making or buying these calendars can become a beloved annual activity, one that brings family or friends together and foster one's personal holiday traditions. In this way, National Advent Calendar Day is not only fun but also meaningful.