The holidays are here, which means the time of year where everyone is anticipating the excitement of Christmas morning! My favorite way to countdown to Christmas is through fun advent calendars or 12 days of Christmas countdowns. Each day leading up to Christmas, you open a compartment in the calendar that contains a small treat. Not only is it fun to watch your calendar get closer and closer to Christmas day, but it is also very exciting and suspenseful to learn what you will receive each day. Below are some of my favorite advent calendars and countdowns to Christmas–or ones that I would like to try in the coming years!

1. ULTA TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS: Each day for the 12 days leading up to Christmas, open each compartment to find a small sample of makeup, lotion, or other self-care product. I will be trying this Christmas countdown calendar for the first time this year, and I can’t wait to see what’s inside! This countdown is perfect for anyone who likes to try new products before purchasing them in full sizes or anyone looking to relax with lotions or stand out with makeup. https://www.ulta.com/p/12-days-of-beauty-set-pimprod2035198
2. FIDGET TOYS ADVENT CALENDAR: If the holidays make you restless or you just can’t seem to sit still through the weeks in school leading up the Christmas break, this is the countdown for you! This calendar includes several different Christmas-themed pop-its (which are becoming increasingly popular), twist tubes, cubes to fidget with, and more surprises. Purchase this advent calendar on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Advent-Calendar-2021-Surprises-Christmas/dp/B0995Q9Z6H
3. CHEESE ADVENT CALENDAR: This advent calendar is for the cheese lovers. By the time Christmas has come, you will have tried 24 kinds of cheese! From applewood to gingerbread cheese, this countdown to Christmas offers any type of cheese you can think of. This calendar can also be found on Amazon. https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/gift-ideas/g29439136/cheese-advent-calendars/
4. DOG BISCUIT ADVENT CALENDAR: Don’t let your dog miss out on the excitement! Each day, your dog will enjoy a different type of dog biscuit with this fun calendar.  https://www.etsy.com/market/dog_biscuit_calendar
5. SELFIE ADVENT CALENDAR: The holidays are a great time to share a Christmas picture on social media or send a friend or family member a fun selfie and let them know you’re thinking of them. The selfie advent calendar provides a different Christmas- themed selfie prop each day. This is the perfect way to capture holiday memories and add some uniqueness to your holiday photos. https://www.etsy.com/listing/655751281/24-selfies-to-christmas-advent-calendar
6. SOCKS ADVENT CALENDAR: Purchase this countdown to receive twenty-five new pairs of socks in time for Christmas. This countdown will have you ready for winter time and perfectly complement new tennis shoes on your Christmas list! The socks you will open come in all different colors,designs, and themes! https://www.amazon.com/Gertex-Premium-Christmas-Holiday-Calendar/dp/B0BCM59TQ1/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?keywords=sock+advent+calendar&qid=1670434265&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&smid=ALSEEVSXCNGK7&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyMkxTQjdUTzlPWElKJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMDgzODAzMzlOM1pJTjQxVTZNMCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMzkzMzM2UVo2VFAyNkEwVEVNJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==
7. YANKEE CANDLE ADVENT CALENDAR: Though a little more on the expensive side, this Christmas countdown will fill your house with 24 different Christmas smells. Open a different scented Yankee candle each day! I am confident that this calendar will be both relaxing and suspenseful as you wait to see which candle you will open next. 

If you are like me and can’t wait for Christmas, I would encourage you to anticipate the big day with one of these countdowns. These will be fun to do on your own or share with friends and family. Starting a countdown is a great way to kick off this fun time of year!