{"product_id":"vintage-xl-german-advent-calendar-classic-reproductions","title":"Vintage XL German Advent Calendars","description":"\u003cp\u003eTimeless classic reproductions, dating from the first two decades Richard Sellmer began creating his magical, one of a kind Advent Calendars. These classics are exact replicas of his original designs dating from 1946. They are extra special calendars, making an endearing addition to any holiday household and are a treat for the whole family.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdding to their splendour is their XL format and glittery sparkling finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eHISTORY OF THE ADVENT CALENDAR\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2918\/8070\/files\/OldWorld2_large.jpg?v=1538675403\" alt=\"\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdvent Calendar Origins\u003c\/strong\u003e Advent calendars typically don’t follow the full 4 week period of Advent. Instead, they begin on December 1 and mark the 24 days leading up to Christmas. Today, most Advent calendars include paper doors that open to reveal an image, Bible verse, or piece of chocolate. The tradition dates to the mid-19th century, when German Protestants made chalk marks on doors or lit candles to count the days leading up to Christmas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe First Printed Advent Calendars\u003c\/strong\u003e Gerhard Lang is widely considered the producer of the first printed Advent calendar in the early 1900s.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAround the same time, a German newspaper included an Advent calendar insert as a gift to its readers. Lang’s calendar was inspired by one that his mother had made for him and featured 24 colored pictures that attached to a piece of cardboard. Lang modified his calendars to include the little doors that are a staple of most Advent calendars today and they became a commercial success in Germany. Production stopped due to a cardboard shortage during World War II, but resumed soon after, with Richard Sellmer emerging as the leading producer of finely crafted Advent calendars.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlpen Schatz is proud to present a fine selection of Richard Sellmer's German classic Advent calendars, depicting both religious and non-religious scenes for the holiday season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2918\/8070\/files\/OldWorld_large.jpg?v=1538675410\" alt=\"\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Richard Sellmer","offers":[{"title":"Nr. 559 \"Christmas Pyramid House\" 1955 replica - 27\" x 8.5\"","offer_id":58371478323574,"sku":null,"price":12.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Nr. 100 \"Die Kleine Stadt - The Small Village\" 1946 replica - A Roosevelt US Presidential favourite! 27.5\" x 8.5\"","offer_id":58371478225270,"sku":null,"price":12.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Nr. 110 \"Old Town Centre at Christmas\" 1952 replica - 3D - 18.5\" x 11\"","offer_id":58371478258038,"sku":null,"price":12.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Nr. 265 \"Old World Village\" 27\" x 8.5\"","offer_id":58371478290806,"sku":null,"price":12.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0335\/8969\/0504\/files\/Nr559PyramidHouse.jpg?v=1785445217","url":"https:\/\/alpenschatz.co.uk\/products\/vintage-xl-german-advent-calendar-classic-reproductions","provider":"Alpen Schatz Europe","version":"1.0","type":"link"}