Countdown of possibilities

It all started quite humbly about 200 years ago: children would draw chalk lines on the wall or light candles to count down the days until Christmas. The idea of the advent calendar came about in Germany in the early 20th century: 24 doors concealing colourful, Christian images. Later on, chocolate was added that was usually of a rather poor quality. 

Today's advent calendars have little in common with their modest roots. We can choose between trying 24 varieties of smoked sausage, honey or pasta, answering questions leading towards self-optimisation, learning origami or giving ourselves a full makeover with cosmetics products. Herbal tea advent calendars are another option that is popular in Germany. Calming tea blends that promise cosy winter evenings clasping a steaming cup of tea are hidden behind the doors, promising relaxation to counterbalance the Christmas shopping marathon. There are also advent calendars that contain tools and are likely meant as a subtle hint to get one's home fixed up at last in time for Christmas.

It is almost touching how this purely analogue, haptic experience continues to be so popular in our digital age. However, the sky is the limit. Maybe we will soon have advent calendars that deliver new AI-generated Christmas stories on a daily basis that are customised to match your mood on the day and read out by a virtual voice. Or how about a vintage trend: let's go back to chalk lines on genuine wood for a sustainable, authentic and self-effective solution. Or maybe some clever marketing experts will launch the ultimate "advent calendar advent calendar": 24 advent calendars concealed behind 24 doors for a never-ending Christmas season.