Advent calendars are excessive
Advent is here, and it seems like every store in America has been transformed into a winter wonderland since Labor Day. I recently stepped into my local Trader Joe’s and stumbled upon an Advent calendar for dogs. Behind each little flap were salmon and sweet potato dog biscuits, a unique twist on the traditional Advent calendar. It got me thinking about the wide range of Advent calendars available, from affordable chocolate-filled ones to high-end designer calendars costing hundreds of dollars.
Luxury brands like Louboutin and Dior offer extravagant Advent calendars filled with beauty products, like lipsticks and perfumes. However, some of these calendars have faced criticism for their lackluster contents. Chanel’s expensive Advent calendar, for example, received backlash for including cheap items like a flip book and temporary tattoos.
While I enjoy indulging in a daily piece of chocolate from a festive Advent calendar, it’s important to remember the true meaning behind this season. Advent calendars should serve as a reminder of the greater Gift we anticipate celebrating on Christmas day. They can also be a thoughtful way to show kindness to others, like giving one as a gift to a friend.
However, it’s clear that Advent calendars have become a bit excessive. When women spend hundreds of dollars on boxes filled with mediocre samples or buy overpriced dog treats labeled as “Advent” products, it’s evident that the true essence of Advent has been lost.
The concept of Advent calendars originated from German Lutherans to celebrate the arrival of Christ. Traditional Advent calendars were filled with treasures like poems, intricate paintings, or readings about the Christmas story. Unfortunately, like many Christmas traditions, Advent calendars have been distorted by our self-absorption and turned into a consumer-driven frenzy.
If designer lipsticks bring you joy during this season, that’s perfectly fine. However, it’s unlikely that most women purchasing these calendars are thinking about the humble birth of Jesus as they open their luxurious trinkets.
As a child, my mother made a beautiful felt Advent calendar that we could add to each day as we read the corresponding passage. It was a meaningful craft that helped us focus on the true meaning of Advent. If you don’t have time for a DIY project, pairing a simpler Advent calendar with a devotional can be a great alternative, especially for families. There are also calendars available that open the door to conversations with young children about the Christmas story.
For women seeking an Advent calendar that combines beauty and relevance, I recommend checking out this beautifully illustrated “Names of Jesus” calendar.
I don’t mind if you treat yourself to an expensive box of trinkets for the joy of opening it. However, I do wish that manufacturers would stop labeling these products as Advent calendars when they have little connection to the true meaning of the season.
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How has the commercialization of Advent calendars affected their true meaning and purpose?
Hat the commercialization of Advent calendars has reached new heights. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and consumerism of the holiday season, but it’s important to take a step back and consider the true message of Advent.
Advent is a season of preparation and anticipation for the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a time for reflection, prayer, and spiritual growth. The tradition of Advent calendars has its roots in the Christian faith, as a way to count down the days leading up to Christmas and to prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ.
In recent years, however, Advent calendars have become more about the gifts and treats hidden behind each door rather than the deeper meaning behind them. The market is inundated with Advent calendars of all kinds, catering to various interests and hobbies. From beauty products and luxury items to toys and sweets, there seems to be an Advent calendar for everyone and everything.
While it can be fun and enjoyable to open a small gift or treat each day, it is essential to not lose sight of the essence of Advent. We should not let the commercialization and consumerism overshadow the spiritual significance of this season. Advent is about preparing our hearts and minds for the coming of Jesus, not about accumulating material possessions.
Moreover, the extravagant price tags attached to some Advent calendars are concerning. It seems that some luxury brands are capitalizing on the popularity of Advent calendars, using them as an opportunity to sell their products at exorbitant prices. It is important to ask ourselves if spending hundreds of dollars on an Advent calendar is truly necessary and aligns with the spirit of the season.
Instead, let us focus on the true meaning of Advent and find meaningful ways to observe this season. We can set aside time for prayer and reflection, engage in acts of kindness and generosity, and spend quality time with loved ones. We can create our own Advent calendars, filled with meaningful activities or Bible verses that deepen our understanding of the season.
In conclusion, while the market may offer an array of Advent calendars with varying price tags and contents, let us not lose sight of the true significance of Advent. It is a time of preparation, reflection, and spiritual growth. Let us prioritize the true message of this season and find meaningful ways to observe Advent that align with our faith and values.
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