How do you test the patience of children (and grown-ups) in December?
With an Advent calendar, of course!
Each day leading up to Christmas, a tiny window reveals a surprise — a chocolate, a charm, or a moment of magic. But where does this tradition come from, and how did it evolve from a simple religious countdown to one of the most joyful rituals of the festive season?
A Little History
To trace the origins of the Advent calendar, we have to go back to 19th-century Europe. In Protestant regions of Germany and Scandinavia, families looked for creative ways to help children count down the days until Christmas Eve.
Some families gave children a small religious picture each day. Others drew 24 chalk lines on a door or wall, and children would erase one daily. There are even stories of placing a piece of straw in the manger each day to prepare a bed for baby Jesus — a sweet reminder of anticipation and care.
The first modern Advent calendar appeared in 1908, thanks to Gerhard Lang, a printer from Germany. Inspired by his mother, who used to stick little biscuits on a cardboard sheet, he created the first printed calendar with colourful drawings. A few years later, the idea evolved into what we know today — a cardboard sheet with 24 little doors to open, each hiding a picture… or eventually, a chocolate.
From Pictures to Chocolate
By the 1920s, the Advent calendar had spread beyond Germany, with new designs appearing each year. In 1958, the first chocolate Advent calendar was born — a moment that forever changed the countdown to Christmas.
The idea was irresistible: a tiny taste of sweetness each day, combining the joy of discovery with the pleasure of chocolate. Over time, calendars took on more creative forms — some with little gifts, beauty products, tea sachets, or toys. But for many, nothing replaces the nostalgia of chocolate: a small daily indulgence that captures the excitement of childhood.
The Tradition Today
In Britain, the Advent calendar is now a beloved part of December. What once began as a simple religious countdown has become a symbol of anticipation — one door at a time, bringing us closer to the sparkle of Christmas morning.
And while today’s calendars come in every shape and style, chocolate remains the classic choice. There’s something timeless about opening that little window, catching the scent of cocoa, and savouring a moment that feels both familiar and new.
At Leonidas, this tradition is celebrated in the most delicious way — with handcrafted Belgian chocolates, made from 100% pure cocoa butter and free from palm oil. Each chocolate in our Advent calendar is a miniature work of art: pralines, ganaches, caramels, and festive creations that bring joy to every age.
A Leonidas Christmas Countdown
Waiting for Christmas has never been so delightful. Our Leonidas Advent Calendar is filled with 24 days of Belgian chocolate surprises — each one a little gift of flavour and craftsmanship.
Behind every window hides something new: from creamy pralines and caramel hearts to dark chocolate truffles that melt into festive warmth. Whether you share it with family or keep it just for yourself, it’s the perfect way to count down to Christmas — one blissful bite at a time.
And remember: patience is part of the fun… even if it’s hard to resist opening tomorrow’s window early!
A Season of Anticipation
The Advent calendar is more than a countdown — it’s a celebration of joy, gratitude, and the little things that make the season magical. This December, relive the childhood wonder of discovery with a calendar that delights both the eye and the taste buds.
Because at Leonidas, every chocolate tells a story — and this one lasts for 24 delicious days.