By Mayra Morales Palomino

Christmas is a season of surprises, and many beauty brands are capitalizing on this spirit by reimagining a classic holiday tradition. Let’s dive into the best advent calendars of the season!

Advent calendars, originally a German Christian tradition from the 19th century, were created to count down the days until Christmas. Early versions featured drawings or candles, but today, these calendars have evolved dramatically.

Luxury brands, particularly in the beauty industry, have embraced advent calendars as a brilliant marketing strategy to boost sales in the year's final months. These calendars offer a wide range of products, from body creams to hair perfumes. Here’s a selection of our favorite 2024 advent calendars:

Dior Beauty

Designed by artist Pietro Ruffo, this calendar draws inspiration from Dior’s historic boutique and French gardens. Inside, you’ll find 24 mini treasures, including:

• J’adore Eau de Parfum (5ml)

• Rouge Dior Lipstick in shade 999

• Dior Prestige La Crème (15ml)

L’Occitane (Premium Edition)

This version features products for both men and women, with surprises like:

• Shea Butter Body Balm (20ml)

• Néroli & Orchidée Eau de Toilette

• Immortelle Reset Serum (5ml)

Diptyque

Inspired by a sewing kit designed by artist Lucy Sparrow, this calendar includes:

• Orphéon Solid Perfume (refillable)

• L’Eau Papier Hand & Body Gel

• Eau Rose Eau de Toilette (10ml)

La Mer

Unlike traditional 24-day calendars, La Mer focuses on the 12 days leading up to Christmas, with items such as:

• The Cleansing Foam (30ml)

• The Eye Concentrate (5ml)

• The Lip Balm (9g)

While most of these products are mini-sized, they’re perfect for on-the-go use. Plus, the beautifully designed packaging is reusable, making these calendars not just practical but also charming decorative pieces for your home.

Which one will you add to your wishlist this holiday season?