Opening a little numbered door to reveal a prize is a treasured holiday tradition for many families.
The Advent calendar reportedly was first used by German Lutherans in the 19th century to prepare for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas. Advent clocks, candles and wreaths have also been used to mark the 24 days to Christmas.
The first known handmade Advent calendar dates from 1851, according to one website that sells vintage Advent calendars. The first printed Advent calendar debuted in 1908 in Munich, the same site notes.
While the windows of early calendars opened to reveal a prayer or bible verse, which Christians incorporated as part of their daily Advent devotions, today’s calendar revelations are more likely to be an image, a chocolate, a small gift or a toy.
Here, five festive calendars to help spread a little yuletide cheer:
Thomas Haas: This handcrafted limited-edition calendar from the North Shore’s well-known pastry chef is available to order. $129 (includes chocolates/truffles of your choice), at Thomas Haas Harbourside and Kitsilano locations.
Playmobil: Pick your play theme: dragon’s treasure battle, rescue operation, Christmas in the forest, Santa’s workshop or unicorn fairyland. Each calendar has 24 surprise items such as figures and accessories to build a complete scene. $30-$32, Creative Kidstuff, Lynn Valley Centre, and Bears Toy Store, Ambleside.
Starbucks: This tree-shaped Advent calendar is trimmed with 25 colourful and reusable tin ornaments filled with milk chocolate and peppermint bark pieces. A $5 Mini Starbucks Card is at the tree’s base as an extra treat. $45 at Starbucks locations. 
Lush: Twelve limited-edition inventions and year-round favourites are nestled together in the 12 Days of Christmas “book.” Among Lush’s trademark fresh handmade cosmetics inside: bath bombs, bubble bar, soap, shower gel and hand cream. $100 at Lush, Park Royal.
Short Story: North Vancouver-raised, Edmonton-based novelist and journalist Michael Hingston’s 2015 Short Story Advent Calendar, a collection of 24 new and classic work by some of the best short story writers on the continent, is available in a one-time limited-edition print run. Hope that a friend has ordered you one; this edition sold out. $55, shortstoryadventcalendar.com.
Craft Crossing Calendar: Parallel 49 and Central City have teamed up to offer 12 new holiday brews with 12 classics for their holiday 24-pack. Their holiday collaboration includes sour beers, stouts, bocks, pale ales and winter ales. $63, at BC liquor stores.
