A festive countdown to Christmas, this item typically comprises numbered compartments, each concealing a small decorative object or trinket. These compartments are opened sequentially on each day of Advent, leading up to Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. The decorative items often include miniature Christmas-themed figures, symbols, or other small treasures. A common example features a cardboard calendar with small doors or windows, each revealing a hanging ornament upon opening.
Such calendars contribute significantly to the anticipation and excitement of the Christmas season. The daily ritual of revealing a new ornament offers a tangible connection to the countdown and provides a small moment of joy and discovery. Historically, Advent calendars have roots in 19th-century German Protestant traditions, initially involving simple practices like marking days with chalk or lighting candles. The incorporation of physical compartments and gifts evolved later, solidifying their current form as a beloved holiday tradition.