COUNTING THE DAYS. This year, why not jazz your holidays up by making your own advent calendar? (Photo courtesy of Creative Commons)

The countdown to Christmas begins!  This year, get in the holiday spirit by putting together your own advent calendar. The Local Store compiled a nifty beer-themed advent calendar for craft beer lovers in the area, but if beer isn’t really your thing, try something new! Consider purchasing 25 days’ worth of local jewelry, and every day you get a new set of earrings, a new ring, or a necklace from your favorite local maker. For the kiddos in your life, make the countdown to the holidays fun with a game and puzzle-themed advent calendar, complete with local games. Support local farmers by considering handmade, farm-fresh goodies that you can snack on throughout December. Or, if you’re feeling charitable, instead of making an advent calendar for yourself, give something away, such as scarves and mittens, or socks, underwear, jackets, and hats to local homeless shelters for each day of December through Christmas. Find ways to make the holiday season cheery and bright for you.