Twelve Days of Christmas Wrap Up

How we celebrate the 12 Days of Christmas varies. Early on each boy received his own present most days. When they were younger, it was easy to find little cars or toys. Now that they are older, their taste has matured. So this year the boys didn't get individual gifts. They enjoyed a single gift.

As the year progresses, events happen that inspire a gift. For example, living in the Southwest, the air is dry, and the boys are always in need to chap stick. So I bought a 4-pack of chap stick. That fit into Day 1 box. It's not exactly a "fun" present, but the boys were happy to each have his own.

Here is another example. I frequently purchase batteries. It never fails when I need a battery, there is none to be found. The boys constantly are raiding the supply for their devices. As a result, I purchased a pack of batteries so that they each had their own stash. The pack fit in the Day 2 box, so that was the gift of Day 2.

Day 3 was homemade fudge. I don't make fudge often, so this was a special treat. I had written "fudge" on a slip of paper and put that in the box. The boys had fun searching the kitchen for it.

Day 4 was a family trip to the local botanical gardens. The boys thoroughly enjoyed the first hour of strolling through the paths of local flora and fauna. We found herbs that we wanted to try growing at home. The second hour was not as enjoyable as hungry stomachs rumbled despite the snacks brought along. We found a local eatery. Peace resumed.

Day 5 was a 4 pack of Starbucks. Simple splurge. Day 5 also included Christmas candy--dark chocolate. I picked this up at half price after Christmas!

Day 6 was an organic blend of apple cider for a new "coffee" machine that St. Nick brought the family. The boys' diet restricts the purchase of regular apple cider, so this was a fun treat.

Day 7 was lunch out to a restaurant. Since we don't travel much, we try to find restaurants that have an authentic cultural flair. This time we ventured into an Italian restaurant run by a first generation Italian who uses his mother and grandmother's recipes from Italy. What a difference from the Italian restaurant chains! The music and decor moved us to Italy for a few hours.

Day 8 was a movie. The boys enjoyed War Horse.

Day 9 was a CD and DVD.

Day 10 was a new sport game for the game system. It's one of the interactive games where the boys get to challenge each other, they have to physically move!!! No more sitting on the couch when they play. Even Dad got involved and played!!!

Day 11 was another DVD.

Day 12 was lunch at a Persian restaurant. We again had fun exploring new tastes and new foods.

I already have a few gifts for next year's 12 Days. I've purchased a few things at 50-70% off during the after-Christmas sales. I'll also start thinking what new family experiences to plan for next year.

The Twelfth Day of Christmas

We started the Twelve Days of Christmas early this year. We started on Christmas Eve simply because we went to Mass at 4pm, so we had celebrated the birth of Christ. It seemed fitting to open the first present after dinner.

The boys were very excited. Since we have four boys at home, we determined that they'll each open one present, starting with the youngest. So each boy will have three turns. They agreed whole heartedly.

I will write a separate entry on what the gifts were in a few days as I've been asked what gifts to I get and how do I determine what I get. I'll address the latter issue.

The gifts are usually determined for me--out of necessity. Some are determined out of cost--what is financially feasible. Of course, I try to get a few fun items--something the boys really want.

This year the items assembled easily, all except the last one. I am stumped by the 12th Day. What to get? The box remains empty. It beckons me. I have about 24 hours to figure something out. Tradition says that the last gift is the biggest gift. The box itself IS the biggest box. Yes, I actually have a box for each day. They are clearly decorated and labelled what each day the "true love brings". Side note: The boxes fit into each other for easy storage. Very convenient!

So I am still perplexed about what the 12th day should bring. Yes, I could get 12 drummers drumming. Or a drum set. One of my boys really would love that as he plays percussion and drums in the high school band. I can't fit that in the box. I could put a picture of the drum set in the box. Are drums on sale somewhere? The smallest catch is that I wouldn't survive a drum set in the house. Or in the garage. Ummm.

This is where the 12 Days make me really think. I do get silly sometimes. I also get creative. That's the fun part of this. I put myself in the giving. These aren't just things. These gifts are gathered with a lot of love and thought.

Well, I gotta get thinking about this... Merry Christmas Day 9 (although we celebrated Day 10).

Photo credit: jenny makes stuff