Psychologist explains what it means if your parents still buy you an advent calendar

As a kid, opening the window of your advent calendar and tucking into a tiny choccy every morning before breakfast was arguably one of the most exciting parts about the build-up to Christmas.

And as an adult, it still is.

But here's a question, who buys your advent calendar now?

Do you pick it up yourself during the shop? Does your friend or partner buy you one? Or, are you absolutely outraged when the end of November arrives and you're yet to receive one from you parents?

Despite being well into the age bracket of what's considered 'adult', living away from home and having bills and responsibilities, many of us are still scoffing down advent calendars bought and shipped to us by our mum or dad.

In fact, one man was so concerned about the tradition within his own family that he took to Reddit to assess if it was 'normal'.

"My mum's given me an advent calendar. I’m a 26 year old man. Is this normal? It’s quite sweet but it seems a few years off," he wrote.

The response was clear, many of us are receiving advent calendars from our parents, even into old age.

One person responded: "My 78 year old nan still gets an advent calendar from my great gran who’s about 97 never too old for chocolate."

So what does it mean if our parents are still buying our festive choccies? Is it normal?

Tyla spoke to psychologist Dannielle Haig, who explained exactly what it means - and it makes total sense.

"When parents buy advent calendars for their adult children, it often reflects the enduring power of family traditions," says Danni.

"These small gestures are about much more than just chocolate or gifts; they’re a way for parents to maintain a sense of connection and to show love in a tangible, familiar way.

"For adult children, receiving an advent calendar can evoke a sense of nostalgia and comfort. It’s a reminder of simpler times and the joy of festive traditions we associate with childhood."

Danni explains that these moments can often feel 'grounding' in our adult lives.

"In an increasingly unpredictable world, moments like these can feel grounding, offering a link back to our roots and to the people who know us best," she continues.

"From a psychological perspective, this kind of tradition highlights how families adapt to the passage of time. Even as children grow up and become independent, these small rituals allow parents to remain an important part of their lives. It’s also a reflection of how much we all crave moments of joy and connection, regardless of our age.

"It’s no surprise that adults still enjoy receiving advent calendars—they’re a reminder to slow down, to delight in the little things, and to appreciate the relationships that mean the most to us."

We hope this tradition never ends.