Advent calendars are a fun way to count down the days until Christmas. But there seems to be some debate on the “right” way to open them.
Should you start with door #1? Or does it make more sense to open the last door first, since advent calendars countdown to Christmas?
As a professional advent calendar printing manufacturer, I am writing this definitive guide to open advent calendars, including a step-by-step walkthrough to start yours off on the right foot.
Why There’s Confusion Over How to Open Advent Calendars
Historically, advent calendars were used to count up to Christmas, not down.
For example, back in the 1800s, German Lutherans would use chalk to mark off each day on their doors during December. The goal was to end up with 24 tally marks on Christmas eve.
So originally, advent calendars were clearly meant to start at 1 and work upwards.
But nowadays, most commercially-made advent calendars position themselves as Christmas countdowns. This explains why many modern advent calendars put the biggest treats behind the last few doors.
For example, check out this ad for Cadbury’s Heroes advent calendar:
It even says “25 days to go!” on the front. And the inside flap literally says “Countdown to Christmas!”.
So it’s no wonder why people get confused whether to start at 1 or 24.
According to history, #1 is technically correct.
But with most modern advent calendars positioning themselves as Christmas countdowns, starting at 24 makes sense too.
Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. But in this post, I’ll show you how to get the most out of your advent calendar no matter which way you decide to open it.
Should You Open Your Advent Calendar at 1 or 24?
I fully understand both trains of thought here.
That said, I usually recommend starting modern advent calendars at 24.
Here’s why:
It builds more excitement early on. Opening the biggest treats first means you’ll start off your December with a bang. Plus, it prevents that lackluster feeling you get when you open something lame on December 23rd.
It aligns with how most modern advent calendars market themselves. Like I mentioned earlier, most advent calendars clearly position themselves as Christmas countdowns. So opening Door 24 first fits with that messaging.
Kids have an easier time visualizing the countdown. If excitement-building is the goal, starting your advent calendar at 24 helps little ones visually count down the number of sleeps until Santa arrives.
But perhaps the biggest reason I open my advent calendar at 24?
Pure nostalgia. My mom always opened ours Christmas countdown-style when I was a kid. So adhering to the “24 approach” takes me back to my childhood.
Again, starting at 1 vs 24 comes down to your own personal preference. You can make an argument for both approaches. So ultimately, choose whichever direction gets you more pumped up for the holiday season.
Now let’s walk through exactly how to open your advent calendar starting at 24.
How to Open an Advent Calendar Countdown-Style
If you land in the “start at 24” advent calendar camp, here is a simple step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Find Door #24
This sounds simple. But depending on the style of your advent calendar, locating the 24th door can be tricky.
For example, if you have a cardboard advent calendar with little doors, start in the bottom right corner: Find door #24 on an advent calendar
But if you purchased something like the popular LEGO Star Wars advent calendar, Door #24 won’t be in the usual spot. Refer to the instruction manual to locate it.
Step 2: Open Door #24 First
Congrats, you found the last door! Go ahead and open it up first.
And don’t worry if you feel a tinge of guilt not starting with #1. Remember, opening the biggest treat first builds momentum leading up to the big day.
Step 3: Work Your Way Backwards
After opening Door #24, work your way backwards each day:
- December 1st = Open Door #23
- December 2nd = Open Door #22
- December 3rd = Open Door #21
And so on until you finish up on Christmas eve with Door #1.
Pro Tip: Hang up your advent calendar so it’s visible for the entire family. That way everyone stays on track with opening the correct door each day.
And there you have it! With this simple 3-step guide, you now know exactly how to open a modern advent calendar the “right way”.
So go grab yours and start opening up those little doors. Let the Christmas countdown officially commence!
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions on the best way to open up your advent calendar? Here are answers to some common questions:
Should I let my kid open any door they want?
I get the excitement. And technically, it’s your calendar so you can open it however you want.
But if you open up random doors out-of-order it ruins the momentum of the countdown.
So while I don’t think it’s a huge deal if your kid opens the wrong door here and there, try keeping them on track as best as possible.
What if my advent calendar starts at Door #1?
Some advent calendars still start the numbering at 1 (especially homemade ones).
If that’s the case, it’s up to you whether to follow the printed order or do your own countdown.
Personally, I think starting at 24 would be confusing if the actual calendar goes in order from 1 to 24. So in that case, I’d follow the printed sequence.
Can I fold the doors back closed after opening them?
Technically, you can fold or tape the doors back into place after opening them up. But it’s not recommended for cardboard calendars.
Repeatingly closing the doors can damage them over time.
Instead, try displaying your advent calendar in a visible area so that everyone knows what door is next.
Start a New Holiday Tradition with Your Advent Calendar
Advent calendars are the perfect way to get in the holiday spirit.
By starting your advent calendar at 24 and working backward, you build momentum leading up to December 25th.
So break out those little doors and let the Christmas countdown begin!
Which way do YOU open your advent calendar – 1 or 24? Let me know in the comments!