There are very few traditions that capture the charm, anticipation, and childlike wonder of this special time of year quite like the Advent calendar.
As children, we were treated to sweet surprises behind every door, but before they came filled with chocolates, truffles, gems and other festive goodies, Advent calendars were simple, colourful and sometimes beautifully handmade gestures of hope and anticipation as families literally counted down the days leading up to Christmas Day.
This year, the LUC8K team gathered around a traditional old log fire in the Swiss mountains like a bunch of little elves to talk about Christmas, what it means to us, and what we can do to spread a little festive joy to our merry band of loyal followers. We were unanimous in our love for Advent calendars, so, we decided to create one with a LUC8K twist crafted to elevate the season of giving.
So, with this in mind, and a mulled wine in hand, let’s take a step back in time to when it all began…
WHEN DID ADVENT CALENDARS BECOME A THING?
You might be surprised to hear that Santa Claus or his elves were not responsible for the concept of Advent calendars. This age old tradition actually began in 19th-century Germany where families would make small chalk square or rectangular outlines on their wooden doors.
As far as we know, the very first handmade Advent calendars began appearing around the 1850s, and in the beginning they were created using pieces of cardboard. People then added their own surprises behind each door. Bible verses, little drawings, and hand-drawn numbers that children could reveal every day for 24 days leading up to Christmas.
In a time long before iPads, TV’s and Alexa, these simple gestures were never about receiving, and always about spreading joy to children. Opening each door was a great way to gather the family together, and share their excitement during the festive season.
WHO PRINTED THE FIRST EVER ADVENT CALENDAR?
Inspired by a wonderful childhood memory of him growing up in Germany, printer Gerhard Lang produced the first printed Advent calendar of its kind in 1908. He had fond memories of his childhood and beloved mother who used to stitch 24 little cookies onto cardboard which she decorated with festive scenes.
Gerhard was allowed to eat one treat every day for 24 days leading up to Christmas. That’s a lot of cookies, even by today’s standards! This creative gesture brought him so much joy, he decided to take his mother’s idea and recreate it so that other little boys and girls could experience the same sense of wonder and joy he had.
Gerhard replaced cookies with tiny illustrated windows, because not everyone during that time had the luxury of an oven to bake delicious treats. From that moment on, a tradition was born, and by the 1920s, Advent calendars had doors that children could open. By the time the 1950s came around, Advent calendars were common place all across Europe and beyond, spreading happiness to millions of families and friends all around the world.
They are universally loved because they provide us with the element of surprise and delight. Opening a small square window every day and discovering something new will always be joyful. It makes us feel happy. The countdown to one of the most important and joyful days of the year.
An Advent calendar is the purest form of gifting. Small, lovely, heartfelt moments of joy one day at a time.
So, from the bottom of our hearts, danke schoen Gerhard, and thank you Mrs. Lang for giving your son the inspiration he needed to create something that we all love and cherish every festive season so much.
OPEN THE DOOR TO SOMETHING WONDERFUL
The world is slightly more connected than it was when Gerhard’s mother was placing cookies on a piece of festive cardboard.
So, this year, we are excited to bring the beloved traditional Advent calendar into your online world. Our LUC8K digital calendar is lovingly curated to provide you with a special moment each and every day from December 1st to the 24th. A simple click will open each door and who knows what you’ll find behind each one?
Throughout the month, a few very lucky participants will uncover the ultimate bespoke gift:
a stunning and unique made-to-order LUC8K bag — beautifully crafted and handmade in France, with love. Exquisite Bull Pony leather, the finest craftsmanship from our French artisans (elves), and personalised to suit your own individual taste and style.
As well as the chance to open a door to the perfect bag or accessory, you’ll also discover exclusive content, behind-the-scenes artistry, curated moments of delight, beautifully crafted surprises, and a touch of LUC8K magic ;)
A TRADITION THE MODERN WORLD WILL ALWAYS LOVE
Advent calendars offer us a reminder to slow down and savour the small, precious moments, however fleeting they may be.
That feeling of anticipation is something we often lose as adults. Whether an Advent calendar is traditional, handcrafted, or digital, they exist to remind us that little moments of joy don’t always come in grand gestures. Sometimes, it hides behind tiny doors you open one day at a time by clicking.
We created the LUC8K Digital Advent Calendar as a modern tribute to a timeless tradition, and we hope you get as much joy from it as it did for us to create it.
Wishing you Peace, Love, and all the Best of luck,
The LUC8K Team of Christmas Elves x