Advent calendars are such a fun way to help celebrate and build anticipation in the holiday season. Whether yours are filled with chocolates or tiny toys or messages of love, advent calendars bring a daily dose of joy to your family and that by itself is worth its weight in gold (or frankincense, or myrrh). In today’s blog, we’re going to explore the different Advent calendar traditions around the world as well as their origins in modern society. Let us know how you like to celebrate with Advent calendars in the comments below or on our social media profiles! We’d love to hear about your unique family traditions.

The Origins of the Advent Calendar
As with many of our modern Christmas traditions here in the US, this tradition stems from Germany. It traces its roots back to the early 19th century before printed calendars were widespread in the average person’s home. Instead, they used handmade and simple ways to mark the advent like marking on the walls with chalk, lighting candles, and other similar activities. By the late 1800s, these practices evolved into what we would recognize as more modern Advent traditions, such as groups of illustrated cards that children could place on a door or wall of the home each day to mark each day of Advent. 

The first known printed Advent calendar appeared in the early 1900s (also in Germany). These early calendars often featured religious imagery and Bible verses rather than treats. Small doors or windows were opened each day to reveal a picture or message tied to the season.

In the 1920s, the idea of including chocolates behind the doors emerged, transforming the Advent calendar into a more playful and child-friendly tradition. This innovation quickly gained popularity and spread beyond Germany to other parts of Europe and eventually around the world.

What Advent Traditions Are Celebrated ARound The World?

Unsurprisingly, Advent calendars are popular around the world in many different cultures and continents. Here are a few of our favorites that we wanted to share with you. 

Germany

Since it all began here, we thought we would start here. In this day and age, they still are wildly popular and while chocolate calendars are common, many families also use reusable wooden or fabric calendars filled with small notes, treats, or activities.

Scandinavia (Sweden, Norway, Denmark)

Physical Advent calendars are also popular here, but they do something that other countries do not. They have a special short TV program dedicated to marking the Advent each day for children. As part of their special holiday programming for Christmas, they show little short episodes daily to help children count down days until Christmas. While they also have physical calendars, they are less about chocolate and treats and more about storytelling, folklore, and cozy winter themes. 

The United Kingdom

Initially focused on religious imagery, they gradually evolved to include chocolates and small gifts. Today, British families enjoy a wide range of Advent calendars, from traditional designs to novelty versions featuring favorite characters or luxury treats.

Conclusion

We hope that this article about winter advent traditions was useful to you. If you want to make a purchase, schedule one of our window covering experts for a FREE estimate and more information by calling the office at 208-888-1056. If you have any questions about purchasing some awesome commercial blind or window covering work, or any other window covering related issue, we would love to hear from you. Contact us today to get started.