Over the past few years, I didn’t plan ahead in time to count down to Christmas Day with an advent calendar.  This time, I’m making sure to get one ready before December sneaks up on us.  After all, the kids are not getting any younger and who knows how long they’ll still delight in these daily treats?  We’ve rounded up some cute ideas that stray from the ordinary chocolate calendars, including ways to start the Christmas spirit early and gather the family together every day.  Why not spend a post-turkey afternoon DIY-ing one of these advent calendars?