The countdown to Christmas is fun, but it gets even better with an Advent calendar . Or two.

While it is not known who the exact person behind the concept was, the tradition of marking the days until Christmas likely started in 19th-century Germany, according to Sky History .

In recent years, Advent calendars have become even more popular as people enjoy the surprises they offer. Traditional Advent calendars usually feature chocolates, wine, cookies or ornaments, and each year brands compete to create the most appealing ones.

Here's a roundup of Advent calendars by major retailers, including Target , Trader Joe's and Aldi .

Trader Joe's

Trader Joe's is offering a range of Advent calendars, including:

Chocolate Advent Calendars - $1.49

12 Days of Beauty - A Curated Col

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