Advent calendars have always held a special place in my heart. As a child, they were my first experience with receiving a small treat every day. After a long day of being an 8-year-old, I would eagerly come home to open a cardboard door and enjoy some powdery chocolate. Now, as an adult, I find that taking a moment each day to indulge in a special treat or gift helps me to relax and enjoy the holiday season, rather than feeling overwhelmed by all the tasks that come with it.
Advent calendars have evolved since my childhood, with a wide variety of options beyond the traditional novelty Santa-shaped chocolates. I recently took the time to explore and compare several Advent calendars, and have compiled a list of my favorites below. And don’t worry if you start after December 1st; many Advent calendars now offer 12 days of treats instead of the traditional 24. Plus, who needs rules? You can always double up on treats if you start late.
So why not treat yourself or a loved one to an Advent calendar this holiday season? It’s a fun and festive way to count down to Christmas and add a little extra joy to each day.
