The Countdown

You could call this a much-shortened advent calendar. Or an early, shortened start to the 12 Days of Christmas. But really, it's a countdown to Christmas.

So: On the 9th day of Christmas, my true love sent to me 9 ladies dancing. Unless you're Andy Williams, and then your true love brought you a guardian angel.

And reports from an assortment of online advent calendars:

• Dec. 16 from the Ann Gunkel Advent Calendar is all about the Grinch. On that topic: Dad told me the other day that Dr. Seuss is the originator of the word "nerd." So there ya go.
• Dec. 16 on the more traditional St. Margaret Mary advent calendar. A Christian reference to rainbows.

And that's today's countdown.