The holiday season is approaching quickly! It’s hard to believe it’s almost Christmas again! There's just something so magical about the tradition of counting down to Christmas. Advent calendars do just that but with a treat of some sort to celebrate that you are one day closer, closer to the magic of Christmas! It’s sort of like treating yourself with a gift ahead of the gift-giving. Like with Christmas Ornaments, Hallmark is an excellent place to purchase your advent calendars this year.

Origins of Advent Calendars

Advent calendars have their origins in 19th-century Germany as a way to count down the days to Christmas. Initially, families marked each day with chalk or lit candles to build anticipation for the holiday. The first printed advent calendars appeared in the early 1900s, created by Gerhard Lang. He added little doors to the design in the 1920s, allowing users to open one each day to reveal Bible verses or small pictures, a tradition that continues to evolve.

Today, advent calendars come in countless forms, catering to a wide variety of interests and ages. Traditional calendars feature festive images or chocolates behind each door, while modern ones often include toys, beauty products, or even gourmet treats. Popular themes range from Lego sets for kids to luxury skincare items for adults. DIY advent calendars are also growing in popularity, allowing families to customize the surprises inside. Eco-friendly options, made from reusable materials, offer a sustainable twist. Digital advent calendars, accessed via apps or websites, add a tech-savvy element, providing daily videos, recipes, or games.

Whether filled with sweets, gifts, or heartfelt messages, advent calendars remain a cherished way to celebrate the holiday season and count down to Christmas with joy and excitement.

Jigsaw Puzzle Advent Calendars

Jigsaw puzzle advent calendars are a delightful twist on the traditional countdown to Christmas, combining the joy of puzzles with the festive spirit. Each day reveals a small section of a larger jigsaw puzzle or an individual mini puzzle to complete. By Christmas, puzzlers will have assembled a unique holiday-themed image, such as snowy scenes, Christmas trees, or whimsical illustrations.

These calendars are perfect for puzzle enthusiasts and families looking to share a relaxing daily activity during the holiday season. They come in various styles, from simple designs for kids to intricate ones for seasoned puzzlers. Some feature high-quality wooden pieces or eco-friendly materials, adding to their charm. The Christmas Whiskers or Christmas Paws advent calendars by Eurographics are a great idea for someone who loves pets and puzzles!

Jigsaw puzzle advent calendars provide a mindful way to celebrate, encouraging patience and creativity. They’re a wonderful alternative to traditional calendars, offering a tangible keepsake that embodies the magic of the season long after Christmas Day.

Bissinger’s Chocolates Hallmark Channel Advent Calendar

If you prefer the traditional advent calendars this is a good one. There are 25 numbered windows and each has a foil-wrapped milk chocolate inside with a photo of a popular, Christmas Hallmark movie. A movie idea and a sweet treat every day until Christmas? Sounds like a fun way to celebrate up until Christmas Day! Might be a good idea to grab a Hallmark Movie Watching Blanket while you’re at it!

Activity Advent Calendars

Activity suggestion advent calendars offer a fun and meaningful way to count down to Christmas by focusing on experiences rather than physical gifts. Each day reveals a simple activity, such as baking cookies, decorating the tree, writing holiday cards, or enjoying a festive movie night. These calendars encourage family bonding, creativity, and the spirit of giving, making them ideal for all ages. Many are customizable, allowing users to tailor activities to their interests and schedules. Activity advent calendars create lasting memories and shift the focus from material gifts to shared moments of joy, making the holiday season even more special. If you’re an ELF fan, check out the Elf Christmas Countdown Calendar. It features 24 activity suggestions and cute messages inspired by the movie. 

Ornament-Filled Advent Calendars

Ornament advent calendars offer a festive countdown, revealing a unique decoration each day. By Christmas, you’ll have a beautifully adorned tree filled with cherished keepsakes celebrating the season. You can’t go wrong with the Grinch Who Stole Christmas ornament-filled advent calendar!

Twelve days to Christmas, oh what a sight! With a Grinch countdown to make spirits bright.

A tree made of cardstock, so easy to see, With spaces for ornaments, one-two-three! Max and Cindy-Lou, all come to play, to count down the days in a fun, festive way. The Grinch, of course, leads the Christmas parade, with cardboard ornaments, ready to be laid. So hang up the ornaments, one by one, and watch the countdown until Christmas has come! Perfect for rooms, where kids love to cheer, this super cute Grinch kit brings holiday cheer!

Choosing The Right Christmas Calendar For You

There are so many advent calendars to choose from nowadays. You can buy one in almost any theme and with almost anything inside. Though you can find these special Christmas calendars anywhere, Hallmark by far, offers the best ones. You have your choice between traditional, chocolate-filled, or decorative advent calendars that can be filled with personalized messages of your choice. 

So no matter how you prefer your advent calendar this year, make sure to check out Hallmark Timmins Square for the perfect one.