CALENDARS
(Lego sells several calendar variations each year.)
A big fan of the science-fiction franchise, the 46-year-old McKenzie said he enjoys unveiling and building one item a day; by Christmas Eve, the pieces collectively form a larger scene.
“Growing up, we had the big, wooden Advent calendar with doors,” he said. “It was static every year, and we didn’t get a new one every year.”
He also buys his young niece and two nephews Lego calendars.
“I’m the guy who puts my Christmas lights up the day after Thanksgiving,” he said. “This allows me to soak it all up.”
In addition, McKenzie said, he treated himself this year to a “12 Nights of Christmas” calendar from Cooper’s Hawk Winery ($99.99), with each window revealing a half-size bottle of red, white or sparkling wine.
According to Christian tradition, Christmas Day ushers in a 12-day season of celebration that ends on Jan. 6 — the feast of the Epiphany, when Jesus is visited by the three kings.
Some start 12-day calendars before Christmas; others wait until after. The 24-day varieties are typically started on Dec. 1.
Three years ago, Mike Troy, owner of Crafted Drafts on the Northeast Side, began selling wooden Advent boxes with either 12 or 24 slots. Each day, a slot is opened to reveal a beer chosen by the box purchaser or a staff member from the specialty-beer store.
“Some people will come in and want all Ohio Christmas styles or all IPAs,” he said, “Others don’t care.”
Although a supplier issue put the kibosh on his box sales this year, Troy said, he did refill boxes bought in previous years for some customers. He does expect to sell the boxes again next holiday season, he said.
At least one analyst says advent calendars are part of a larger phenomenon of people rediscovering “analog fun.”
“Books are selling again and vinyl records and board games are going crazy and this fits in with that,” said Lee Peterson, an executive vice president at WD Partners, a Dublin retail-design and consulting firm. “People are learning that you can take something that’s not digital and have a blast with it.”
For many people, he said, the term “advent” has become synonymous with “counting down to Christmas.”
“It’s certainly far away from the strict versions of it,” he said. “My kids have no idea what Advent is. It’s just what you call that calendar.”
North Linden resident Chelsea Ewart is eager to begin her 24-day Lippie Countdown Advent Calendar from Nyx Professional Makeup — one of a handful of countdowns that Ulta Beauty at Polaris Fashion Place has been selling this year.
The kit features 24 lipsticks and glosses, said Ewart, 25, who works at the store.
“Advent calendars used to be just chocolates, and now they have a lot of cool, different stuff,” she said. “It gives you something to look forward to, and it’s a little surprise every day.” 12 Nights of Christmas wine calendar ($99)
a 24-day sock Advent calendar ($495)
Christmas Countdown Activity Countdown ($19.99)
Tsum Tsum Advent Calendar ($37.99) Olaf’s Frozen Adventure Advent Calendar ($19.99)
Star Wars, City and Friends Advent calendars ($39.99)
Signature Advent Calendar ($52); Luxury Advent Calendar ($124)
Gin, Whisky and Rum Advent Calendars ($110 to $1,110)
Lippie Countdown Advent Calendar with lip products ($65)
Premium Advent Calendar for Dogs, Cats ($6.13) Fortnum & Mason Advent Calendar with rare teas ($56.95) 24-day Village Countdown Calendar ($29.99)