A boom in new kinds of advent calendars means that chocolates, quite frankly, don’t cut it anymore. Prior to this, a Christmas-themed cocoa treat before breakfast required limited self-restraint. Advent calendars were thought to not get any better! But now, indulging in a treat more than sweet is the norm. Ranging from beauty products to pork scratching to a more sophisticated wine and cheese calendar, there seems to be no limit on the commercialisation of advent calendars. The real question is: are the products really worth it?
Advent calendars first appeared in 1958 (a photograph a day with ties to religion) but then Cadbury created their own chocolate version in 1971. After this more businesses followed in their advent calendar creations; the rest is history. Now, people queue for hours to receive 24 (or 48 if you’re lucky) miniature versions of products, spending both their time and money. All for the daily joy of opening a treat, to remind them of the hidden excitement behind the door during childhood—except now this has a more adult twist.
Companies boast that their calendars sell out within weeks, but are these products worth rushing to your nearest shop? Well, skincare advent calendars most definitely are not if you have sensitive skin (treat yourself to a breakout!) Not all advent calendars are inclusive, that’s a given. Let’s say that you bought the perfect beauty calendar, each day another travel-sized makeup product just the right amount for wherever you go. The excitement never ends (that is until the big day!) But realistically, this product must come to an end. The dreaded day arrives, the flawless foundation runs out! Whatever will you do? Suddenly all the compliments you’ve received come to a strict halt. The only logical solution is to buy the bigger version—problem solved. Therefore in reality, these are a gateway to buying more products; a marketing scheme.
Take a second to think: there are many advent calendars made yearly but which ones use reusable packaging or recycle the weird and wonderful products that don’t get bought? I have a feeling that you couldn’t name many. The cycle of consumption and waste feels never ending. Shouldn’t Christmas really emphasise family and ‘joy to the world’, as the carols say? Now, presents are at the forefront of festive minds. But, it’s not all bad: some brands are paving the way and using less plastic for their products.
Maybe, there could be less waste and just as much choice in the future. So, what will you do? Will you stick to the chocolate, boycott the calendars or continue to go down the loophole of consumerism?
Image by Mark Chan for The Student