The Humble Beginnings
The tradition of the Advent calendar dates back to the 19th century, originating with German Lutherans. In its earliest forms, it was a simple and personal way for families to count down the days to Christmas. Families would make chalk marks on a door or light a candle each day from the first of December until Christmas Eve.
These early practices were about building anticipation and preparing spiritually for the celebration of Christmas. It was a tangible way for children to understand the passage of time and the approach of one of the most important days in the Christian calendar.
The First Printed Calendars
The first known printed Advent calendar was produced in Hamburg in 1902 by a Protestant bookstore. However, it was Gerhard Lang who is widely credited as the creator of the modern, commercial Advent calendar. Inspired by a childhood memory of his mother sewing 24 small candies onto a piece of cardboard, Lang produced a calendar with small, colorful pictures attached to a cardboard backing in 1908.
A few years later, Lang has innovated further by creating the first calendar with little doors to open, a design that has become the standard we know today. Behind each door was a devotional picture or a Bible verse, continuing the tradition's religious roots.
The Rise of Chocolate and Toys
The tradition took a more commercial and secular turn after World War War II. While the war had temporarily halted production due to cardboard rationing, the practice was revived in the late 1940s. It was during this post-war period that the idea of placing a small piece of chocolate behind each door emerged, a concept that quickly became immensely popular, especially in the United States.
From there, the contents of Advent calendars diversified. Today, you can find calendars filled with everything from luxury cosmetics and fine wines to toys and pet treats, reflecting a shift from a purely religious observance to a more widespread cultural tradition of festive countdowns.
The Digital Age: A New Chapter
With the advent of the internet and digital technology, the Advent calendar has evolved once again. Digital Advent calendars, like the ones you can create with <strong>Advent</strong>, carry on this long and rich tradition in a modern format.
They allow for a new kind of surprise—videos, music, personal messages, or links to exclusive content—that can be shared instantly with friends, family, or customers across the globe. This evolution transforms the simple act of counting down into a rich, interactive, and deeply personal experience, connecting people no matter where they are.