5 Wild and Wacky Takes on the Advent Calendar

The word "Advent" (from the Latin word Adventus) means "coming." Originally, there wasn't much of a connection between Advent and Christmas. The period of Advent was started in the fifth century as a six-week time of fasting, tied to the imminent baptism of new Christians on the Feast of the Epiphany on Jan. 6. That feast celebrates, among other things, the visit of the Magi to the infant Jesus. Sixth-century Romans revised Advent to be a time of focusing on the "second coming of Christ." (Christians believe Jesus will return to Earth at the end of time.)

In the Middle Ages, the emphasis of Advent changed yet again, to a period of penance and preparation for the "first coming" (or birth) of Jesus Christ before the feasting of Christmas Day, rather like the period of Lent before Easter.

Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, which means the date can change each year. It can start as early as Nov. 27 and as late as Dec. 3. Liturgical churches will light a special candle each week during Advent and have special Bible readings. Families may make an Advent wreath or use an Advent calendar to mark the days.

While the celebration of Advent is old, the associated calendars are a relatively new custom invented sometime in the 19th century. At first, these calendars were little more than a chalk line representing every day in December leading up to Christmas Eve, often on the back of a door. The first special Advent calendar was either produced by a Protestant bookstore owner in 1902, or else in the late 19th century by the mother of a German named Gerhard Lang. Lang's mother stuck 24 sweets on a square of cardboard, one for her young son to eat each day before Christmas.

As an adult, Lang opened a printing office and produced a calendar similar to the one his mother had made for him, with a colored picture for each day of the month. A few years later, he hit on the idea of adding 24 little "doors" that hid the picture for each day, giving the calendar an air of surprise.

In the 1930s, due to cardboard rationing, Lang had to fold his business. However, after the end of World War II, other companies started making their own Advent calendars. The first one filled with tiny chocolates debuted in 1958, courtesy of Cadbury. Traditionally, the calendar didn't have a "door" for Christmas Day, but some newer ones have added a 25th door so the consumer has something to look forward to on Dec. 25.

Something about those tiny doors opening to reveal a secret or a treat has made marketers adapt the Advent calendar to some very commercial purposes. Here are a few of the hundreds out there:

Macy's Wine Advent Calendar: Need a little nip to get you through the holidays? Drop $140 for this calendar featuring a tiny bottle of vino for every day leading up to Christmas. If wine isn't your thing, don't worry. There's a calendar out there featuring just about every type of alcohol you can imagine. That's one way to stay merry and bright.

Dr. Barbara Sturm Advent Calendar (Beauty Products): Got $500 burning a hole in your pocket? You could spend it on this calendar featuring sample sizes of high-end beauty products. Hopefully it'll keep your skin smooth and young-looking throughout the cold winter months.

Trader Joe's Advent Calendars for Dogs and Cats: Fluffy might not know who Jesus is, but she can still celebrate his birthday. Trader Joe's launched an Advent calendar for dogs in 2018, and the item was so popular that the cat version was added in 2019. Each of the 25 windows is stuffed with a treat like dried seaweed or antibiotic-free salmon. Plus, it's only $5.99 (if you can find one — they sell like hotcakes). If you miss out, you can buy the traditional chocolate calendar at Trader Joe's for only 99 cents.

Jerky Advent Calendar: You can have a "Meaty Christmas" with this collection of 12 beef jerkies (each flavor appears twice) of honey bourbon, whiskey maple and root beer, among others. You might say, 'tis the season for seasoned meat. $60.

Lego Star Wars Advent Calendar: Lego has been in the Advent calendar business for years, but this version lets kids see one of their favorite "Star Wars" characters, vehicles or models each day, for $69.

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