Advent Calendars: Origins, History and Gift Ideas

Every year, Advent calendars mark the beginning of the countdown to Christmas. From chocolate and tea to whisky and rum, they now come in many different forms to accompany the 24 days leading up to the festive season. But where does the Advent calendar tradition come from? How did it begin, and how did it become a Christmas favourite? Discover its history and explore a selection of Advent calendars and tasting sets available at Le Comptoir Irlandais.

Where Does the Advent Calendar Tradition Come From?

The history of the Advent calendar dates back to 19th-century Germany. At the time, some Protestant families helped children count down to Christmas by giving them a religious picture each day or marking the days remaining until Christmas Day.

The word “Advent” comes from the Latin adventus, meaning “arrival” or “coming”. In the Christian tradition, Advent is the period of preparation leading up to Christmas. It begins on the fourth Sunday before 25 December.

Originally, Advent calendars were not filled with sweets or treats. Instead, they provided a way to mark the days leading up to Christmas and make the anticipation of the festive season part of everyday life.

How Did Advent Calendars Become a Christmas Tradition?

In the early 20th century, the first printed Advent calendars helped popularise this German tradition. In 1908, German publisher Gerhard Lang produced an illustrated calendar inspired by the customs of his childhood.

The concept gradually evolved, with small windows to open each day replacing simple illustrations. Over time, calendars began to feature chocolates, sweets and other little surprises.

After the Second World War, the tradition spread more widely across Europe and beyond. Advent calendars gradually became a family ritual associated with the magic of Christmas.

Today, they are no longer just for children. Brands offer calendars designed for adults, featuring products to taste, collect and discover throughout December.