It’s a sweet tradition we all look forward to every year: breaking that little cardboard door and scratching keenly at the foil to reveal that little chocolatey serving within.
It’s hardly the ‘true meaning of Christmas’, but for many, young and old alike, it’s an uplifting part of December to snaffle the little choco Robin/present/angel each morning before going about one’s day.
But every year the same debate surfaces: how old is too old for an advent calendar, and is it right to have one as an adult?
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One dad of two – who we anonymised to spare his blushes – posted on Reddit: “Am I too old for a chocolate advent calendar?
“For context, I’m a 51 year old man and my wife has just bought my two sons advent calendars. I queried my wife about the subject, and she soon told me to “grow up”. Upon the realisation that she did not buy me one, I became very upset. Is this wrong of me?
The first reply told him: “Is it wrong to have one? No. Is it wrong to be “very upset” about not having one? Yes. You’re not a child.”
Another added: “Of course it’s not wrong. What’s wrong is being a 51 year old adult and sulking because someone didn’t buy you one. If you want one, buy one. She’s not your mum.”
But others sided with the dad, as they said: “I’m 48 and I have a haribo advent. Last year I had a quality Street one.
“I would quietly and calmly suggest to your Mrs that she grow down a bit. Always leave space in your life for a bit of silly.”
Another added: “If I ever become too old to enjoy the small delight of looking forward to a cheerily designated piece of chocolate every day leading up to Christmas, I’ll assume it’s because I’m actually comatose.”
The mums of Mumsnet agree with dad. One poster said: “Ummm well…im 26 so is hubby. my mum still gets us one every year. My brother started to say at 13 he was ‘too old’ but he soon complained when he was missing out. think thats the only year her never got one lol”
There are others, too, who still swear by the tradition.
@Geek_reformed posted on Reddit: “Tomorrow is December 1st and millions of children around the country will be opening the first door on their advent calendar.
“It was always an exciting occasion as a kid and even now at 40, I don’t think I have ever had a year without one. When I still lived in my home town, my Mum would always get my brothers and me one even when I no longer lived at home.
“I’ve also had managers get them for the team and done the same when I was in a people management role.
“Now I buy slightly fancier ones for myself and my wife. Although she doesn’t like chocolate first thing in the morning and stockpiles them, so I don’t know why I bother.
“My son has first one this year as well, but it is a Lego one his Grandad got him.
“So do you still buy yourself one? Get it as a gift from a loved one or manager? Have you upgraded from chocolate to Lego, make-up, beer, gin, cheese, socks or pork scratchings?”
@lethal_bizzle replied: “Yeah, I’m nearly 30 and would still call childline if my parents didn’t get me one”
@doom_raccoon agreed: “I sent my mum a message asking if she was going to get me one or if I was going to have to put myself up for adoption this year. I’m 32”
So it turns out that there really isn’t an age that’s considered ‘too old’ for an advent calendar – but maybe have that conversation with your wife/husband/kids/significant others/insignificant others before December 1st…
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