Have you been using some of the cool new Google Desktop gadgets I've been featuring here?  If so, you know what Google Desktop and gadgets are.  Just in case you're still in the dark, Google Desktop is a program for Windows that adds Google Desktop search to your computer so you can put the power of Google search to use on your personal files.  It adds a sidebar to your desktop that houses gadgets, which are mini programs that do any number of specific functions - from checking email and RSS feeds to little fun desktop toys.

Those gadgets can be huge selling points for your website or service.  They can let your users take advantage of your service right from their desktop.  They can serve news and updates right to the desktop.  To that affect, if you haven't looked into creating a gadget or two, have a look at my previous post on how to do it.

Until today, if English wasn't your native language you were a little limited in what you could do with Google Desktop.  But as a great big, international Christmas present to the world, Google has released Desktop in 27 additional languages.  In addition, a slew of holiday-themed gadgets have made their way to the Desktop just in time for your end of the year celebrations.

The Countdown to New Year gadget looks interesting to me.  It says to make sure it's running on New Year's Eve.  Hmmm… I wonder what happens on New Year's Eve…