A bit of history
To trace the history of this Christian custom, we need to go back to the 19th century in Finland. At the time, to help children wait for Christmas, they were given a religious image each day during the 25 days leading up to the Nativity. Other sources mention the tradition of some families placing a piece of straw each day to create a bed for the divine child. It’s also said that parents would draw 24 lines on a wall, which the children would erase one by one until December 25th. Who knows? What is certain, however, is that this tradition reflects the anticipation of Christians during the Advent season leading up to Christmas Eve.
The first modern-style Advent calendar appeared in Germany in 1908. Its creator had the idea of making a cardboard sheet with small, colorful drawings. Gerhard Lang, his name, was inspired by an idea from his mother, a pastor's wife, who had drawn 24 squares on a piece of cardboard, attaching a small cookie to each one. The Advent calendar was born!
The tradition continues today
In 1920, the first Advent calendar with little windows to open, as we know it today, appeared. Competing in creativity, the brands that sell them began to diversify their offerings: detachable blocks to color, ladders where an angel ascends to heaven, and, in 1958, the first chocolate surprises.
It was also during this period that the first secular calendars appeared. These didn’t always have 24 days but rather between 22 and 28, depending on the day Christmas fell on. They have been growing in popularity for many years. This can be explained by the desire to relive the sweet moments of childhood, the joy of discovery, and surprises that helped us wait patiently for the festive day! And above all, to remember that there’s no age limit to enjoying and experiencing the magic of Christmas. Less tied to religious tradition, the Advent calendar has evolved in both its duration and its form. Nowadays, it’s not uncommon to see increasingly original calendars, both in appearance and in the surprises they hold. Beauty products, DIY kits, teas, and even jewelry now fill calendars that are becoming ever more unique.
Wait for Christmas with our Advent calendar
Christmas is the perfect time to indulge in sweet treats and chocolatey gifts! We offer a wide range of products specially created for the occasion. Our traditional Christmas balls and delicious chocolate trees are back! There’s something for everyone, from comforting seasonal flavors to timeless classics.
The sparkling praline Christmas ball to evoke the festive bubbles in your glass or the apple-cinnamon Christmas tree made of marbled dark chocolate, buttercream, with apple and cinnamon—perfect to enjoy with a nice cup of tea. We offer a delightful treat for every time of the day! And, of course, to top it all off, an Advent calendar filled with surprises, each more delightful than the last! But patience… it’s one a day!