CAROUSSENTIALS: The Traditional Advent Calendar

Oct 13, 2023

It's Friday! The weekend is drawing ever closer, as indeed are the darker nights. And, dare we say it, there's a certain other event gathering pace as it gets unstoppably nearer.

We used to have a rule way back when, in the golden years of the naughties, when we had our little toy shop in Shalford - that no-one was permitted to mention the C-word (no rudery, please, as our Grandmother used to say!) until after Halloween and Bonfire night.
Of course, the supermarkets and high-street heavyweights of yore never abided by this, and, ostensibly, the current digital era's giants are worse still; seemingly ever more intent on heralding in the festive season before the leaves on the trees have even started to turn.

We've got news for you though Earth's most ̶c̶u̶s̶t̶o̶m̶e̶r̶-(ego)centric company and co: There's a rather important event that comes before you know what: An advent if you will...

And, what's the first thing you thing that comes to mind when we say advent...

It is, of course...

ADVENT CALENDARS

In our humble - and probably slightly wistful opinion - there is nothing that gears you up for the most magical season of all quite like a classic advent calendar that counts down to the main event!

Such is our love for Advent Calendars here at Carousel, we actually have an entire website dedicated to them - www.theadventcalendarshop.co.uk

And what, you might ask, is it that makes traditional advent calendars so beloved?
Well, we think, it has to be the sense of anticipation and excitement they bring.
Whether you're a child eagerly opening each door to find a hidden treasure, or an adult taking a moment each day to reflect on the season's meaning, without doubt, Advent calendars help build the holiday spirit.

Accordingly, we sure you'll agree, this has to put Traditional Advent Calendars up there as an absolute, archetype CAROUSSENTIAL!

SHOP ALL TRADITIONAL ADVENT CALENDARS

Advent calendars have evolved over the last century, to become a delightful and much-anticipated part of the festive season for people of all ages.

BUT WHO INVENTED ADVENT CALENDARS?

The Advent calendar, as we know it today, has its origins in 19th-century Germany. However, its invention cannot be attributed to a single individual. Instead, the concept was developed over time as a combination of various traditions and practices.

One of the earliest forms of Advent calendars was a chalk line or a mark made on a door or wall to count down the days until Christmas. This practice allowed religious families to symbolically approach the celebration of Christ's birth. Eventually, this evolved into the idea of having small doors or windows that could be opened each day to reveal a hidden image, verse, or small gift.

The first printed paper advent calendars with doors that could be opened began to appear in Germany in the early 20th century. These early picture Advent calendars often featured religious imagery and verses related to the Advent season.

Richard Sellmer - a German printer and publisher who began producing Advent calendars in the early 20th century - is credited with making Advent calendars more widely accessible and commercial by printing them with colourful illustrations and incorporating small doors that could be opened to reveal images or messages behind each date.

Sellmer's Advent calendars were initially inspired by the traditional religious themes of the season, but he also produced calendars with secular and whimsical designs, making them appealing to a broader audience. His work helped popularise the notion of Advent calendars as a delightful and often collectible part of the holiday season, and his company is still manufacturing Advent Calendars to this day!

Christmas Advent Calendar Special Delivery | Santa's Sleigh Advent Calendar Traditional Advent Calendar | Picture Advent Calendar Paper Advent Calendar

CLASSIC PAPER ADVENT CALENDARS

Christmas Advent Calendar Bethlehem Nativity Story Calendar | Religious Advent Calendar Traditional Advent Calendar | Picture Advent Calendar Paper Advent Calendar

TRADITIONAL RELIGIOUS ADVENT CALENDARS

Christmas Advent Calendar Owls In Winter | Bird Advent Calendar Traditional Advent Calendar | Picture Advent Calendar Paper Advent Calendar

PLASTIC FREE ECO ADVENT CALENDARS

WHAT MAKES TRADITIONAL ADVENT CALENDARS SO SPECIAL

Countdown to Christmas

Advent calendars provide a tangible way to count down the days until Christmas. They build excitement and anticipation, especially for children, who eagerly open each day's door or window to reveal a hidden surprise. This daily ritual helps build the holiday spirit

Spiritual Significance

For those who observe the religious aspects of Christmas, Advent calendars serve as a daily reminder of the season's spiritual meaning. Some Advent calendars incorporate Bible verses or religious images, helping individuals and families reflect on the significance of Christ's birth

Variety of Designs

Traditional Advent calendars come in a wide range of designs and themes. Whether you prefer religious motifs, winter scenes, or even pop culture references, there's an Advent calendar to suit every taste. This variety allows people to choose one that resonates with their personal beliefs and interests

Decorative Element

Advent calendars also serve as delightful decorations during the holiday season. They add to the festive ambiance of a home with their charming and often artistic designs. Whether it's a paper Advent calendar, a picture Advent calendar, or a card Advent calendar, they contribute to the overall holiday decor

Tradition and Nostalgia

For many families, Advent calendars are a cherished tradition passed down through generations. They evoke nostalgia and a sense of continuity with the past. People often have fond memories of counting down to Christmas with an Advent calendar in their childhood

Builds Family Bonds

Advent calendars encourage families to come together daily during the holiday season. Opening each day's door or window can become a shared moment of joy. Some Advent calendars even include activities or suggestions for spending quality time with loved ones