Adults and Advent Calendars: A New Season of Debate
The countdown to Christmas isn’t just for kids anymore. In recent years, adult Advent calendars have surged in popularity, offering everything from premium chocolates to luxury skincare, craft items, and even tech gadgets. While the trend has sparked excitement for many adults seeking a daily moment of joy during the busy holiday season, environmental groups are sounding alarms about the broader impact. They describe the trend as a manifestation of a culture of “superfluous consumerism” that amplifies waste, excessive packaging, and a race to buy more rather than to celebrate meaningfully.
What Makes Adult Advent Calendars Different
Traditional Advent calendars were simple, inexpensive ways to count down to Christmas. The modern adult versions, however, often come with higher price tags, higher production footprints, and more elaborate packaging. Some calendars include single-use items, limited-edition cosmetics, or novelty gadgets designed for one-time use. In a market that already trends toward disposable consumption during the holidays, these calendars can become catalysts for a culture that equates generosity with splurges and novelty rather than sentiment or sustainable practice.
Green Groups’ Perspective: The Case Against Excess
Environmental organizations argue that the appeal of daily surprises should not come at the expense of the planet. They point to several concerns:
– Packaging waste: Many calendars rely on multiple layers of wrapping, plastic inserts, and non-recyclable materials that contribute to landfill.
– Short product lifespans: Items intended as daily treats often see limited use or become quickly forgotten, undermining any initial thrill.
– Carbon footprint: Sourcing, manufacturing, and shipping small trinkets add up to a disproportionate environmental cost over a relatively small period of enjoyment.
– Cultural messaging: The trend can reinforce the idea that happiness is tied to consumption and accumulation rather than mindful, shared experiences or sustainable gifts.
Alternatives: How to Enjoy the Season More Sustainably
Advocates offer several practical options for those who want to participate in holiday traditions without escalating waste:
– DIY calendars: Create a reusable Advent calendar filled with notes, small acts of kindness, or jars of festive spices and hot cocoa sachets that can be repurposed year after year.
– Experiences over items: Swap material calendars for experiences—coupons for a movie night, a date for a local holiday light tour, or a ticket to a concert.
– Reusable or minimal-packaging products: Choose calendars that emphasize refillable items, solid cosmetics without plastic packaging, or products used daily rather than disposable novelties.
– Charity-based calendars: Support ethical brands that donate a portion of proceeds to environmental causes, or participate in calendars that include sustainable, fair-trade items.
What Consumers Should Consider Before Buying
Before adding an adult Advent calendar to the shopping cart, thoughtful buyers can ask:
– What is the product’s packaging footprint and end-of-life recyclability?
– Are the items inside designed for durability and reuse, or are they one-time uses?
– Does the calendar promote values that align with sustainable living or a throwaway culture?
– Can the calendar be enjoyed as a shared tradition with friends or family, rather than a private indulgence?
Industry Shifts and Possible Solutions
Some brands are listening. A growing number of manufacturers are focusing on sustainability metrics, using recyclable materials, offering refillable models, and communicating transparent information about sourcing. Retailers are also experimenting with subscription models for seasonal products, reducing waste by ensuring items have a longer lifespan or can be enjoyed beyond the holiday period. Policymakers and advocacy groups are calling for clearer labeling on packaging, as well as incentives for sustainable gift options to steer consumer behavior toward less wasteful traditions.
Bottom Line: A Mindful Approach to the Holiday Countdown
The conversation around adult Advent calendars mirrors a broader societal reckoning with how Christmas and holiday shopping intersect with environmental stewardship. While the thrill of a daily surprise is appealing, it shouldn’t come at the cost of the planet. By choosing sustainable formats, prioritizing experiences over objects, or supporting brands that emphasize responsible production, consumers can preserve the magic of the season while reducing waste. In the end, the best Advent calendar may be the one that sparks joy, connection, and mindful celebration—without leaving a lasting footprint.
