Start A Tradition: 12 Days Of Christmas

A friend back in college, Ann, used to get 12 Days of Christmas gifts from her dad. Some days, it’d be something small like a few of her favorite candy, other days would be a sweatshirt or money. That tradition has stuck in my mind, even more than a decade later.

I liked the idea of a thoughtful surprise – daily.

When I began dating Mr. Wonderful, I did 12 Days of Christmas for him – some gifts were silly, like a book of bad album covers; others were a little more thoughtful, like his favorite treats snuck into his lunch bag to surprise him, or a love letter.

On the sixth day of Christmas last year, Mr. Wonderful got a six-pack of reinbeer.

I did a spin off of the 12 Days with my kids last year, only some “gifts” were outings instead of physical presents. For one, we drove around to look at Christmas lights while the kids got special treats in the car (or slept in their carseat…I’m looking at you, Mooch). One gift was a Christmas book each. Another gift was an activity – building a gingerbread house, sledding, that sort of thing.

I didn't want to get the kids 12 gifts, so some days of the 12 Days of Christmas were activities, like building a gingerbread house. — I didn’t want to get the kids 12 gifts, so some days of the 12 Days of Christmas were activities, like building a gingerbread house.

It takes some planning, which is hard with so much going on. In the Pinterest age, 12 Days of Christmas has expanded to a month’s worth. It’s a little overwhelming.

25 Days of Christmas courtesty of All Things Simple blog. Overacheiver (but a good source for inspiration). — 25 Days of Christmas courtesty of All Things Simple blog.

A bucket full of joy. I believe there are 25 days in there. Found this on workmanfamily blog.

These people are overachievers (but good sources for ideas if you decide to do 12 Days of Christmas). But 12, 12 is manageable. I have yet to decide if I’ll do it this year for the kids. Better decide soon, huh?

How about you, do you like the idea of 12 Days of Christmas?

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Latrice Tamas

Thursday 28th of September 2017

I just really like what you're up to, and how you show and discuss it!.

Tessa Genners

Monday 9th of December 2013

I think I am going to do this for my husband. We usually dont get eachother to much but this is a great idea. I better get to shopping!

PS- I will definatly be stealing your beer idea! Maybe I can make Coors Light into a snowman or something :) haha

Kim

The reinbeer were so easy! Definitely get his favorite. I don't think Spaten is my husband's favorite, though...I wonder if I was buying for myself. :)

Tiffany N.

I love it! I think next year I may do it for my little man.

He'll love it! Be sure to hit the clearance sales on Dec. 26 to get a good start on some gifts. I got the kids some puzzles, stickers and craft kits last year.