In brief: Peaceful Advent weeks begin at home, not in the shops. Three things make all the difference: warm light in the evening, a table you want to linger at, and one or two rituals that return every year. The first Sunday of Advent falls on 29 November this year. Here’s how to arrange the weeks leading up to Christmas so they feel calm and reflective rather than rushed.
Why Advent so often ends in stress
The list gets longer every year: presents, celebrations, cards, the tree, food for the family. Most of it is planning, and little of it is about enjoyment. If you want to experience the weeks differently, turn the order around. Start by asking how you want the evening at home to feel. The list comes afterwards.
1. Light: the quickest route to calm
A room with one bright ceiling light feels stark, even with candles on the table. It becomes cosy when the light comes from several low-level sources: a table lamp beside the sofa, a wall light above the armchair and candles on the table. Choose warm white bulbs and leave the ceiling light off in the evening.
- A cordless light can be placed anywhere: on the dining table, on a shelf or on the balcony. The Akku-Leuchte Milan from It's about RoMi runs on a rechargeable battery and works as both a table and wall light.
- Natural-fibre shades soften the light, such as the Tischleuchte Iguazu Jute Globus from GOOD&MOJO.
Find more lights for your evenings at Evening lighting.
2. The table: a place to linger
Advent is the season for long evening meals. A beautifully laid table does not need a new dinner set, just a few pieces that work well together. White enamel tableware such as the Riess Classic Weiss Teller tief has a smooth glass surface that can be cleaned completely. Felt trivets such as the Béla Topfuntersetzer from myfelt protect the table when the pot comes straight from the hob.
One idea for anyone having guests: put the pot on the table instead of serving the food in the kitchen. The food stays warm, and no one has to get up. Find everything you need for the evening at Set table.
3. Rituals that return every year
Rituals carry you through Advent because they require no decisions. Three ideas for Sundays:
- Chestnuts on Sunday. Scored and roasted in a perforated pan, they fill the whole home with their aroma. The Riess Eisen Maronipfanne 32 cm is cold-forged, has a perforated base and works on the hob as well as over an open fire.
- Baking with everyone who wants to join in. Biscuits, a ring cake or stollen. You’ll find enamel tins such as the Riess Classic Gugelhupfform among the Baking tins.
- The festive roast in a roasting dish. A large roasting dish with a lid keeps the meat succulent while you look after your guests, such as the Riess Gänsebräter oval mit Deckel.
4. An advent calendar that doesn’t end up in the bin
Instead of buying a ready-made calendar full of individual wrappers, put together 24 small things yourself: lip balm, a bar of soap or hand cream for cold days. When you fill it yourself, you can give things that will actually be used. Find ideas at Fill your own advent calendar.
Fewer presents, better presents
Presents are often the biggest source of stress during Advent. One simple rule helps: choose one item someone will use every day rather than three that end up in a cupboard. A good bread knife, an enamel pot or a light for a reading corner. Find our ideas in the article Gift ideas for anyone who loves cooking and home life.
Frequently asked questions
When is the first Sunday of Advent?
The first Sunday of Advent is the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day. This year, it falls on 29 November.
What kind of light feels cosy?
Warm white light from several low-level sources, such as table and wall lights, rather than one bright ceiling light.
How do I roast chestnuts at home?
Score the shells in a cross, roast them in a perforated pan over medium heat and turn them regularly until the shells split open.
Start with the light. A single well-placed lamp can change the evening more than any decoration. Find our selection among the Lights.
