Honest confession: I only learned what advent calendars were two years ago—on an article assignment, no less—and I’ve been a fan ever since. There’s just something about popping open a tiny door for a daily hit of joy that rewires your holiday brain in the best way. Consider it the most charming (legal) microdose of serotonin you’ll take all season.

There are probably thousands of advent calendars ricocheting around the internet, but we did the heavy lifting and rounded up the standouts. Inside: chocolates and candies that actually taste like something; skincare minis and self-care stocking stuffers you’ll use past New Year’s; tea blends for cozy nights; and more clever surprises. I grew up counting the eight nights of Hanukkah instead of the 25-day Christmas countdown, so I’m an

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