Opinion

When did we ditch traditional Advent calendars anyway?

20.11.2024

Translation: Katherine Martin

Back in the day, we used to get 24 little pictures to «sweeten» the run-up to Christmas. No chocolate. No pouches filled with gifts. Just illustrated calendars that we’ve since – unjustly – abandoned.

Yesterday, I pushed my inner couch potato to one side and dragged myself down to the basement to fetch the Christmas decorations. Rummaging around in my festive box, I eventually fished out a beautiful paper Advent calendar. It was unopened, and illustrated with the kind of snowy landscape you’d get in a children’s book. Glittery trimmings, children playing, fir trees. I’d received it as a gift and kept it for years, never once feeling moved to touch it. Which is silly, really. After all, Advent calendars are there to be opened. But now it’s on my sideboard, poised to reveal the little pictures hidden behind its perforated cardboard doors every day this December.

Don’t judge me, but I opened the calendar prematurely so I could get this snap. There’s a kite behind door number 19.
Source: Natalie Hemengül

The last time I had a «simple» illustrated calendar like this, I must’ve been in primary school. Then, at some point during puberty, chocolate Advent calendars took their place. After that came beauty calendars and DIY alternatives. In other words, my calendars were forced to offer more and more over time. And my expectations have continued to rise. I’ve never looked back.

Just last week, I published an article suggesting 24 ways to fill an Advent calendar for adults. They’re all things I’d be more than happy to receive. Nothing’s changed there. The thing is, not everyone can – or wants to – invest the time and money these DIY calendars require. So, why don’t we switch things up a bit by going back to the classic version? They’re cheaper, just as beautiful and encourage you to keep on discovering new details every time you look their way.

Here are nine illustrated Advent calendars that make me nostalgic:

When did we ditch traditional Advent calendars anyway?

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