The intoxicating anticipation leading up to Christmas is a spectacle unto itself, rivaling the festive day that follows. However, as the bliss of holly jolliness blankets the horizon, few things crystallize that spirit like an advent calendar. A what, you ask? Sure, it may seem premature to dip into holiday musings while we’re still basking in the waning warmth of summer, yet who decrees when one should beckon the yuletide cheer? Certainly not Bonne Maman, that’s who.
Year after year, this beloved French jam powerhouse crams unadulterated joy into an advent calendar, boasting an assortment of 24 minuscule jars of fruity indulgence (think luscious fruit and caramel spreads) — and guess what? this year’s selection has already graced the shelves of Amazon. If the trends from yesteryears hold true, it’s primed to vanish faster than you can say “December,” so seize the opportunity while you still can.
Amazon
Readers of Yahoo were utterly enchanted by this advent calendar last year, and it’s no wonder: Each dawn unveils a nouveau mini fruit spread — some familiar, others delightfully curious.
You’ve likely encountered the brand’s iconic gingham-topped jars at your local store. If, however, your taste buds have yet to revel in their cherished fruit spreads, prepare for an unadulterated pleasure. Crafted from the most straightforward ingredients — zero high-fructose corn syrup, no sketchy preservatives, and no artificial colors, just pure, fruity bliss. This advent calendar offers a delectable taster of their timeless classics (like Mixed Berries and 4 Berries spreads), alongside a medley of limited-time flavors.
Now, I’m not donning my Scrooge hat (not yet, anyway), but let’s face it— all the flavors are laid bare on the advent calendar’s exterior. So, if you prefer to savor the suspense (feel free to skip the next few lines), here’s a glimpse of what awaits: behind each door, small but mighty 28-gram pots filled with masterful concoctions like apricot mingling with orange blossom, a punch of pineapple with yuzu, decadent pear flecked with cacao nibs, cherry adorned with pink peppercorn, and the list goes on ad infinitum. Don’t neglect to note the caramel-with-coffee spread, which dances delightfully with a hot brew.
Ah, a holly jelly Christmas indeed
As the indulging gifting editor for Yahoo, I’m no stranger to unboxing a plethora of advent calendars, and let me tell you—I’ve become quite the connoisseur. The day this Bonne Maman masterpiece arrived at my doorstep? Pure euphoria, the kind that transforms the mundane into magical. Oh, I briefly thought of preserving the merriment, resisting the urge to dive into my calendar until December, but my zest got the best of me — within minutes, I was gleefully tearing away the doors.
Unlike lesser advent calendars, I foresee a fate for every single one of the 24 mini delights — and should a flavor prove less than enticing, I’ve got my loved ones’ stockings ready to step in, or perhaps I’ll toss them into a gift basket. Even my boyfriend — who’s become a tad desensitized to the onslaught of packages landing on our doorstep — paused what he was working on just to check out the treasure of spreads. He later proclaimed it to be our treasure to share.
Mark my words, this is the advent calendar you simply must acquire, especially if the joy of sweet indulgences propels you through the frigid season. There’s no rush in indulging— each spread is good until June of the next year.
The chorus of reviewers resounds
“My mother adores jam and has a peculiar knack for needing nothing at Christmas,” one thoughtful buyer mused. “We reside quite a distance apart; thus, I purchased one jam advent calendar for each of us. Although we didn’t chat daily in December, there was a comforting sensation knowing we were indulging in the same experiences every day. This evolved into a delightful gift, and I eagerly anticipate making it a tradition.”
The jars can be enjoyed sparingly or liberally; it’s all about your spread preference. One five-star enthusiast noted, “it’s ample for a couple to share on toast.” Another chimed in, indicating that each jar provides “enough for a single slice of bread layered generously with jam or perhaps two slices with a lighter spread.”
A multitude of shoppers agree—this is truly the gift that continues to give. Post-jar enjoyment, the little glass containers can be repurposed for buttons, coins, or various cherished knickknacks. One delighted purchaser remarked, “The diminutive glass jars are precious and perfect for storing tiny trinkets. I used them to distribute seeds from my garden to friends,” as she proudly stated, declaring her love for the calendar two winters in a row.
Alas, one con? Not every palate sings in tune with the French jam flavors. “It seems we lack the refinement to appreciate many of the flavors within,” one disgruntled reviewer lamented. “Some went untouched; we merely gave them away instead. I yearn for more ‘mainstream’ flavors to feel the value of my purchase; regrettably, my judgment leads me to believe I would’ve been better off indulging in bagels from the local shop three times instead.”
Amazon
A jam a day keeps the Grinch away! Fortuitously, this advent calendar presents 24 mini jars, splendidly sized to cover one or two slices of bread (depending on how generously you layer).
Should you possess Amazon Prime, free shipping is yours for the taking, naturally. Not a member? Worry not. You can easily secure a free 30-day trial. (And for those who don’t partake in Prime goodness, free shipping is still valid on orders exceeding $35.)
The reviews mentioned herein reflect the latest versions available at the time of publication.
