12 Days of Christmas with Family

Contrary to popular culture, the 12 days of Christmas have not yet begun.  Traditionally, the 12 days begin on Christmas Day, Dec. 25^th (the birth of Jesus Christ) and run through the eve of the Epiphany, Jan. 6^th (marking the coming of the 3 Wise men/Magi).  I always think it sad when folks are tossing out the Christmas trees and pushing Christmas behind them on Dec. 26^th.  These folks probably start preparing in early November, which is nowhere near Advent (the traditional time to prepare for Christmas).  It’s understandable that they’ve gotten tired of all things Christmas.  (For instance, I love the Hallmark channel dearly, but they really need to stop airing Christmas movies as early as October.  Agree?)

It would be wonderful to see our culture trending back to a true appreciation of these upcoming 12 days.  Let’s make Christmas last longer!  Here is a fun list of 12 ways to spend these days with your family, taking in the peace and true meaning of this time: the amazing reality that the light of Love came into this world. 

Days 1-3 of Christmas

• Christmas Day – CELEBRATE!  Feast and be merry.  It may seem obvious, but not everyone does this.  Spend quality time with loved ones and stay off your screens, even if you just got a new one.
• Dec. 26^th – Call someone you haven’t spoken to in a while.  Ask how they’re doing and really listen.  Listen for a long time if it’s your chatty Aunt Lucy. 
• Dec. 27^th – Play with a child.  Get down on the floor and have fun with a new toy.  They’ll delight in your enthusiasm.  No little ones around?  Spend time with a teenager and the new fun gift they received.  Ask questions. 

Days 4-6 of Christmas

• Dec. 28^th – Cook or bake for someone.  You’ve got the time, you really do.  No need for a fancy recipe.  Just make it with love.
• Dec. 29^th – Read a great classic short story aloud to your entire family, even the teens.  It doesn’t matter if it’s a picture book.  Make a big deal about the pictures, too.  Read slowly and get everyone’s feedback.
• Dec. 30^th – Take in a concert, or spend time listening to beautiful music with your family.

Days 7-9 of Christmas

• Dec. 31^st – Write down a few names of people you’d like to visit with more often in the new year.  Then write some dates in your calendar to do so.  Toast to the New Year at midnight.
• Jan. 1^st – Go to a place of worship.  Feel the Peace.
• Jan. 2^nd – Take a hike to a woodsy or coastal site and have a long conversation.

Days 10-12 of Christmas

• Jan. 3^rd – Send someone a surprise gift (flowers? Cookies?) to cheer them up.
• Jan. 4^th – Write some secret notes to loved ones and hide them to be found sometime in the future.
• Jan. 5^th – Pray for your loved ones – the best gift you can give them.

I thought these ideas would be fun, so there’s no special order or mandatory rules for them.  The main message for each one of us is to slow down, gather perspective, and reach out to those we love.  On the 12 days of Christmas, what do you give to your true loves?  Don’t be surprised if you receive abundantly in return.