As the festive season approaches, many of us begin the joyful ritual of counting down to Christmas. And what better way to do that than with an advent calendar – a tradition that’s evolved from simple chalk marks to chocolate‑filled doors, and now, to something far more meaningful and sustainable: a garden‑themed advent calendar.

But where did this tradition begin? And how can we recreate it to bring joy and a touch of nature to our December days?

The Origins of Advent Calendars

The word Advent comes from the Latin adventus, meaning “arrival.” In Christian tradition, Advent marks the four weeks leading up to Christmas — a time of reflection and anticipation. The idea of marking each day began in 19th‑century Germany, where families would light candles or make chalk marks on doors to count down the days.

By the early 1900s, printed calendars began to appear, often with religious imagery and tiny doors revealing Bible verses. In 1908, Gerhard Lang — considered the father of the modern advent calendar — created one with little pictures behind each flap, inspired by a childhood memory of his mother attaching sweets to a cardboard calendar.

Fast forward to the 1950s, and chocolate advent calendars became popular. Today, the concept has blossomed into themed calendars of every kind — from beauty products to whisky tastings, LEGO sets to pet treats. But in a world craving connection, sustainability and slower living, a new kind of advent calendar is taking root.

A beautiful, personal countdown to Christmas

Advent calendars have changed so much over the years. What used to be a simple chocolate treat has become a way to slow down, savour December, and create tiny moments of joy each day. More people than ever are choosing advent calendars that feel thoughtful, creative and personal — something that becomes part of their festive tradition.

This year, I’ve created a small collection of advent calendars designed to bring beauty, calm and creativity to your home. Whether you love nature, crafting or simply giving meaningful gifts, these advents are designed to make December feel magical.

Luxury Advent Calendar

A beautifully curated botanical countdown for gardeners

This limited‑edition advent calendar is designed especially for people who love flowers, gardens and nature‑inspired gifts. Each day reveals a botanical surprise — from birth‑flower seeds to stationery treats — creating a magical, thoughtful way to enjoy December.

Inside the gift box you’ll find:

• 24 illustrated envelopes with botanical wreath designs
• 12 full‑size birth‑flower seed packets
• 12 botanical gifts, including stationery, plant markers, coasters, wax melt, travel soap, recipe card and more
• baker’s twine and mini pegs for hanging your envelopes
• a handmade layered gift tag for your own festive message

Everything is beautifully packaged using FSC‑certified and recycled materials, with seeds supplied by Mr Fothergills — one of the UK’s most trusted seed houses. It’s a truly special gift for gardeners, flower‑lovers or anyone who enjoys nature‑inspired surprises.

This advent calendar is created in small batches for Christmas 2026, making it a unique and meaningful present that feels both luxurious and personal.

Fill‑Your‑Own Advent (Adult Edition)

Creative, personal, and beautifully simple

This botanical advent calendar is designed especially for grown‑ups who love thoughtful surprises and gentle festive moments. It includes 24 premium printed envelopes, each illustrated with a botanical wreath and numbered with large, easy‑to‑read digits. You simply fill each one with your own personalised treats — making it a calm, meaningful way to enjoy December.

You can add chocolates, stationery, photos, affirmations, vouchers, handwritten notes or wellbeing treats. Because every envelope is filled by you, it becomes a truly personal countdown — perfect for partners, friends, or grown‑up children who appreciate something heartfelt and handmade.

I originally created this advent calendar for my mum, who struggled to see the tiny numbers on most advents. That’s why I chose large, clear numbers that are easy to read — ideal for older relatives, people with poor vision, or anyone who prefers a simple, accessible design.

Each set includes:

• 24 premium printed envelopes with botanical wreath illustrations
• large numbers for easy reading
• 24 white mini pegs
• twine for hanging and displaying your advent (colour may vary)

Everything is packaged in an eco‑friendly box and sleeve, ready to wrap or display. The envelopes are printed on FSC‑certified paper, and the packaging is made from recycled card — a lovely choice if you prefer sustainable gifting.

Fill‑Your‑Own Advent (Children’s Edition)

Wholesome, imaginative, and full of festive fun

This fill‑your‑own advent calendar for children includes 24 cute illustrated envelopes, each ready to be filled with personalised surprises. It’s designed to make December magical — offering little ones a joyful moment every day throughout the Christmas countdown.

Each envelope features a different festive character, from snowmen and reindeer to penguins, Santa and Christmas decorations. Because every design is unique, children love discovering which character appears next and look forward to their daily surprise.

You can fill the envelopes with sweets, stickers, tiny toys, jokes, coins or handwritten notes. It’s a thoughtful, screen‑free activity that builds excitement, encourages kindness and creates a gentle family tradition.

The envelopes are packaged in an eco‑friendly box and sleeve, so the advent arrives ready to wrap or display. It makes a gorgeous gift for children, grandchildren, nieces or nephews — especially if you want something more personal than a chocolate advent calendar.

Each set includes:

• 24 premium printed envelopes with cute festive illustrations
• large numbers for easy reading
• 24 white mini pegs
• twine for hanging and displaying your advent (colour may vary)

Everything is printed on FSC‑certified paper, with the box and sleeve made from recycled card — a lovely choice if you prefer sustainable gifting.

Why Fill‑Your‑Own Advents Are So Special

They’re:

• sustainable
• personal
• reusable
• creative
• meaningful
• suitable for all ages

And they become part of your home — something you bring out year after year.

A New Kind of Christmas Tradition

In a world that feels fast and noisy, these advent calendars offer a slower, gentler way to enjoy December. They’re designed to bring joy, creativity, and connection — whether you’re gifting them or filling them for someone you love.

If you’d like to explore the full range, you can find all three advent calendars in my shop.

Click here – Kids Advent

Click here – Adults Advent

Click here – Luxury Advent Calendar