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