by Sherri Osborn

Waiting for Christmas Day to arrive can be tough. The anticipation of Santa's visit, family gatherings, and special gifts can make each day seem like an eternity.

Something we have always used to help make the wait a bit easier to handle is an advent calendar. The word advent originated from a Latin word meaning 'arrival'. With an advent calendar, you countdown each day until Christmas in a special way.

Here are some advent calendars you can make to help you with the countdown to that special day.

• Advent Collage
  Made with these printable templates and magazine pictures.

• Advent Hand Print Wreath
  A fun advent wreath made with hand prints.

• Good Deed Advent Jar
  Make this advent jar full of good deeds.

• Advent Christmas Tree
  Make an advent tree with these printable templates.

• Felt Advent Christmas Tree
  Create a felt Christmas tree using these free patterns.

• Advent Santa Beard
  An advent calendar that looks like Santa's face.

• Advent TP Christmas Tree
  Recycle toilet tissue rolls into a fun Christmas tree.

If you would like to include a poem with your advent calendar, check out this poem shared by a visitor on the Holiday Forum.

Find all of these ideas and more on the Advent Calendars Page and make sure you visit the Christmas Index Page.