Windows 7 How to Add a Countdown Ticker on Windows 7 for Upcoming Events

I have just purchased a new computer with Windows 7 on it. My previous computer had Windows XP. My question is this: On my old computer I had a "countdown" ticker added to my desktop that showed the number of days until our next cruise. I would like to add one to this computer but can't figure out how to do it. Any help would be appreciated.