The twinkling lights are going up, the scent of Christmas trees, cinnamon and smoke from cosy log fires fill the crisp air, and the soft hum of Christmas music is playing from every shop and radio station —yep, the most wonderful time of the year is here! As we snuggle up in our favourite jumpers and sip on hot chocolate, there's one tradition that truly captures the magic of the season: the advent calendar. This charming festive staple not only counts down the days until Christmas but also adds a sprinkle of joy and anticipation to each day leading up to the big celebration.

Join us as we unwrap the history and the creative twists of advent calendars, and discover why this Christmas tradition continues to warm our hearts year after year, no matter your age because you're never too old for an advent calendar!

The idea of Christmas Advent Calendars originated in Germany, back in the 19th century published by Gerhard Lang as the first printed Advent Calendar! Inspired by his childhood memory of his mum sewing 24 cookies into the lid of a box and letting him eat one each morning for Advent.

We know now that advent calendars have gone wild! The days of simple advents are almost behind us with £200 beauty calendars being the norm and some have interesting themes like different types of cheeses or even a reason to test out a new gin flavour every evening. Of course, there is nothing wrong with luxury calendars but you can't go wrong with the traditional advent calendar.

 The ones with delicious chocolates behind each door to indulge in the morning or the classic and always stunning, nativity scenes that reveal pictures when you open every window.

 Traditional Advent calendars can be a nostalgic and festive way to celebrate the Christmas season. As a grown-up, starting each day opening your advent calendar can evoke the same excitement you felt as a child in your Christmassy pyjamas (if Christmassy PJ's were even a thing when you were a child!) before school, nibbling on some chocolate, knowing that Santa was on his way.

  

Have you heard of an Advent Calendar Card? Well, these magical cards are not to be missed, they're simply the most heart warming idea for Christmas. If you know someone who might be alone around this time of year or perhaps wouldn't go to buy themselves a little bit of Christmas cheer like an advent calendar, you could send a sprinkle of festive magic right to their letterbox with an Advent Calendar Card.

The great thing about advent calendar greeting cards, you can create the excitement of the Christmas countdown for someone else as well as write a heartfelt message inside the card to make them smile. Each window reveals a charming winter wonderland scene or a cheerful Christmas character we know so well like Mr Snowman or Santa Claus to brighten your frosty days leading up to the grand celebration. 

What to write in the Advent Calendar card?

"Christmas is Coming! Here’s a small treat to brighten your day and spread some festive joy."

"I hope this small treat brings a smile to your face and add a touch of Christmas magic to your day!"

DIY Christmas Calendar

Unique Christmas Advent Calendars

Unique Christmas Advents are the jazzed-up versions of our traditional calendars! We are talking about the ones without chocolates inside and taking DIY to the next level.

If you are someone crafty or have a family member who would enjoy building their Christmas countdown surprise, why not treat them or yourself to a 3D advent? Creating a stunning and enchanting freestanding masterpiece which not only has yuletide magic behind each door but can be kept for display at Christmas for years to come.

To carry on down the joyful path of advent calendars, consider a fantastic, personalised advent calendar that you can use year after year. You could also get creative with decorated pockets or drawers that reflect the personality of the person it's for. Another idea is to add their name to make it extra special and unique! A similar idea to the DIY countdown calendars but just that they are made for you.

You can even completely stray away from treating your fellow human loved ones but spoil your feline friends or your puppy pals instead! Every day will feel like Christmas to them with a dog or cat advent calendar, however, they may be slightly more demanding in January when they aren’t handed a treat first thing in the morning. However, for the season of giving, why not spread the Christmas cheer to the pets too?

As we revel in the enchanting sights, sounds, and scents of the upcoming Christmas season, it’s clear that the advent calendar holds a special place in all our hearts. A timeless tradition celebrated by millions whether it’s with a classic chocolate-filled calendar, a personalised DIY creation, or an extravagant luxury version, the advent calendar continues to capture the spirit of suspense and delight that defines this festive time of year.

So, as you open each door and savour the small surprises inside, remember that the advent calendar is a reminder that no matter how old we get, the joy of anticipation and the spirit of Christmas are timeless.