On December 13th, there are officially 12 days left until Christmas…I know, scary.
So, if you’d like to do the “12 days of Christmas” for someone–there are plenty of fun ways.
My personal favorite approach is the one that has the little nativity pieces and scriptures or verses to go along with it. I found this darling Nativity set at Walgreen’s for only $4.99. At that price–I bought a couple. Please don’t buy an ugly nativity. You’ve seen them–where even the sheep look like they’re being pinched. Cute is so much better.
What you’ll need:
1- 11 or 12 piece Nativity Set
1- Star Ornament
12 Cello bags
Raffia or Curly Ribbon
Small candy treats (optional)
Anyway, so you will pick a neighbor or friend that you would like to give a gift to each night until the 24th of December. Now choose carefully– because if you pick someone that is too far away you may miss a night and that will really screw things up. Someone up the street a few houses is perfect because you can drop off the treat and run. Less chance of getting caught when there’s no car involved. Be sure to let the kids help.
Since each nativity set can be slightly different–you know, one will have a shepherd and donkey and another will have two sheep and a cow–so you have to be flexible. A decent knowledge of the Christmas Story would be helpful as well. I’ve made it easier for you. Just click on the Scripture tags..you’ll see.
Once you’ve chosen your family, you make up the bags. It is so much easier and less stressful if you make all 12 bags in one sitting.
Wrap the ornaments and put one in each bag.
If you choose to add treats make sure you have enough for the family. Try to keep your son from swiping the Cream Savers.
Add curly ribbon or raffia–for fluff. Print and cut out the scripture tags and attach one to the appropriate bag. The order I chose to use was:
Day 1 Joseph
Day 2 Mary
Day 3 Lamb
Day 4 Lamb
Day 5 Angel
Day 6 Manger
Day 7 Ox
Day 8 Wiseman
Day 9 Star
Day 10 Wiseman
Day 11 Wiseman
Day 12 Baby Jesus
Deliver one each night for 12 nights– the last one being baby Jesus on the 24th.
I LOVE this idea!!! I have been thinking of some fun things to do with the family that could end up as tradition, and I think that this one is it! THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!
This one is much simpler than trying to make a treat each night. They are just small bags–but with a ton more meaning. Plus the family has something they can keep forever.
We do this same thing with our family nativity for the first FHE in Dec. Each piece has a scriptural reference that is read by the individual who places it in its spot. I love the idea of sharing it with a family in the neighborhood. We have a family near by that I’ve fretted and fretted over what we could do for them – they really struggle and don’t have the direction of religion – I think this would be perfect, especially for their children.
Thank you for the wonderful idea.
My confession: I had no idea what you meant by “Cello bags” until the end. I’m a noob.
Heh… maybe we’ll have to make a definitions page for all our weird words. Or we’ll just have to start linking EVERYthing sooo that we’re rEEEally clear. Or I’ll just have to stop teasing Jillian about not knowing what a cello bag is! đ
CELLO… you know… like CELLOPHANE!!! đ heh.
This is super cute… and good to know BEFORE it’s exactly 12 days before Christmas. The last couple of years I’ve thought of doing something like this… I look at the calendar and what’dya know… it’s the 17th or something! Thanks for the heads up!
Hey you never know. Maybe someone could read it like Cello the instrument. Not… that… I… thought… that.
Okay, I LOVE this idea!! I’m going to stop by the Walgreens on my way home tonight! They had better have them! I love all of your cute little craft ideas! I even made a couple of those 3-D snowflakes yesterday at work. I only had lines paper though, so they weren’t as cute as they could be – and a bit flimsy! đ It’s been so fun to see all the fun crafts – it’s making my holiday more fun! đ
Hey, thanks for outlining this for me! I love DOING it, and this helps to simplify it in my BUSY brain! The photos are REALY cute! And Jill…I GET “cello”…I’m still stuck on the “NOOB” part! Luv ya!
P.S.
WOW! LOVE your “Door” page! Fun stuff! Your kids/grandkids are some lucky ducks! hehehe
Well “noob” would be Rhen’s version of saying that you’re a “newbie” or “I’m new at this” or “Wow I really didn’t get that (fill in the blank with a strange word to call yourself because you didn’t get it).”
That’s about the connotation of it.
The 12 days of Christmas come afterward and represent the 12 days it took the wise men to come to Bethlehem. Despite what network TV channels would have you believe, it is not the 12 days leading up to Christmas, but rather the 12 days between Christmas and Little Christmas.
Yes, I know. Thank you for the reminder. This is just a fun name to call a cute activity to do before Christmas day. Our family celebrates Twelfth Night as well.
I was never told that about the 12 days of Christmas. Although I have heard of Twelfth Night from a friend she didn’t explain what it was. Thanks for that info. Now I have a cute activity and some new knowledge to share! :o)
My family has been doing this for over 10 years now…probably close to 15. Last year we did it a little different. We wanted to do it for a family that we knew we would not be able to get to every night (especially with me working) so we made up all the bags, labeled them and put them all in a big box that we wrapped up with directions. So, each night they would pick the appropriate bag out of the box and open it. Worked great and this year we are actually doing a family member that we are sending the box in the mail.
And this is good stuff too. I’d never heard of the story behind the song until researching for that post. It is so interesting.
Perfect idea! You could just plan it that way so that you could give the box or basket to whoever–not just neighborhood people. Thanks!
What a great idea! I love it.
I will also have to add you to my google reader…looks to me like you have all sorts of great ideas. Thanks for sharing!
Wahooo! Thanks man–
Do be sure to check all the tabs too–they change all the time.
Merry Christmas~