Give the gift of the 12 Days of Christmas

I remember as a child going with my Dad to anonymously leave an envelope of money in a mailbox for a family in need. A year or two later I remember my mom wrapping up the pieces of a nativity set to take to a family whose mother had just been diagnosed with cancer. She added little treats to each nativity piece and then my siblings and I would take turns each of the 12 nights before Christmas dropping off these little packages at the doorstep of the home, ringing the doorbell and dashing off into the night so as not to be caught. 

As we have grown older we try to make a very conscious effort to do something anonymously no matter how big or small to someone that is in need during the holiday season. Maybe they don't need money, maybe it is just the simple thought of someone caring and thinking about them. 

Enter, the 12 days of Christmas with a nativity piece and/or treat for each day of the 12 days leading up to Christmas. We have done this together to people we both know and we have done it seperately with our own little families to those who live near us. We have also mailed it across the country in one package. However you choose to do it, it is a fun tradition to have in your home as you pick a recipient together and then work on putting the packages together and delivering them. It's a good way to teach children to think about others.

So big or small we hope you'll find a way to do something for someone else during the season because that is what Christmas is really all about. You don't need to have a lot of money to do it. Simple things often touch people the most, and you truly never know how much your recipient may need it. 

Use the 12 Days of Christmas Outline below if you'd like or come up with your own. We make variations to it each year depending on the family. This is what we will be doing this year starting on the 13th of December. 

Needed Items:

Candy Canes

Nativity Set-mine was 10 pieces
Small cards to attach to your packages

Star ornament or popsicle sticks to make a star ornament

Candy/treats if you desire

Packaging materials for your nativity pieces

Directions:

• Make cards for each of the 12 nights to go with your pieces. Include the date of the night and the scripture you'd like them to read with your piece.
  

• Package up the pieces separately, add treats if you'd like. Tie the scripture/date card to the package.

• For the "star" night you can find a star ornament of your choosing or include popsicle stick ornaments for children in the family to make their own stars and hang on the tree. You'll need 5 sticks and a piece of ribbon for each star. 

• For the first night we packaged up candy canes and a small letter telling the family what was coming so they weren't confused when random nativity pieces and scriptures show up on their porch. (What we wrote is below. Use it, or change it up to fit your needs.)

Nativity Pieces and Matching Scripture Versus:
December 13- Candy Canes and Card

You're such Friendly neighbors and friends, 

We wish to pass along the spirit of Christmas that we hope never ends. 

Nothing says Christmas like a little red and white….

Except for the Christmas story which will be brought to you each night.

Each package will include a scripture or two, 

Look it up, read it together, and if you do…

You'll have read the Christmas story by Christmas Day, 

And feel the true meaning of Christmas we pray.

Merry Christmas!

December 14-Joseph Figure-Luke 2:1-6
December 15-Cow Figure-Luke 2:8
December 16-Angel-Luke 2:9-14
December 17-Shephard-Luke 2:15-16
December 18-Wiseman-Mathew 2:1-2
December 19-Wiseman-Mathew 2:7-9
December 20-Star Ornaments with the following:
      Shephards were told to follow the star they would see,
      Decorate one to put on your Christmas Tree!
December 21-Wiseman-Mathew 2:11-12
December 22- Donkey and/or sheep-Luke 2:20
December 23-Mary-Luke 2:7
December 24-Baby Jesus Mathew 1:21