12 Days of Christmas – Share the Christmas Spirit

I remember when I was little, my little sister and I would literally spend hours looking at the newspaper ads and magazines around Christmas time. We each had a marker and we would circle everything we wanted, put x’s through things we would never want (mostly boy toys that we thought were lame) and huge stars next to the items we felt like we NEEDED. The items with stars were our dreams. Those were the items we REALLY wanted Santa to bring.

One year I circled and starred the most amazing American Girl doll over and over again. Her name was Kirsten. She was ALL I ever wanted. She had blonde hair and blue eyes, JUST like me and I thought she was my little twin. Christmas morning came and lo and behold… there she was! Kirsten was sitting next to my stocking! Santa was the BEST ever!!

I was so blessed to grow up in a home where Christmas was possible! We had a warm house with a fire, blankets to cuddle with, hot chocolate to drink, a Christmas tree to look at and presents to receive. I am grateful that my dad worked so hard to provide for our family and that we were fortunate enough to get a few items off of our Christmas Lists each year.

As I have gotten older, I have come to realize what a blessing Christmas really was for me growing up. I have met so many people the past few years of my life that haven’t been able to provide for their families. Who haven’t been able to have presents under their trees. Who haven’t been able to get that American Girl doll they circled and starred in the magazine.

I am excited to share with you today something that is very special to me. This is something that has changed my life, as I have witnessed the happiness it brings to others.

 12 Days of Christmas – My favorite way to share the Spirit of Christmas!

I have based this idea, poems and gifts off of “12 Days of Christmas” by Creative Papers. Beginning on December 13^th until the 24^th print a tag and attach to the designated gift. Leave the gift on the family’s front porch, ring the doorbell and RUN. The joy you will feel as you bring gifts each night to a specific family anonymously is indescribable. Knowing that YOU are making their lives happy, knowing that YOU are making them feel loved and knowing that YOU are changing their Christmas Season will bring you the most happiness. I promise.

 Follow these 5 steps to make a family’s Christmas special this year:

1. Decide who you would like to do 12 Days of Christmas for. Think about your friends, neighbors, co-workers and church members. Pray to be guided to the family that needs you most. Every year Tyson and I have done something like this, we have always been guided to a family that we know needed it most that year.

2. Make a list of all of the items that you will need and go purchase them. Thinking of the items to give is probably the hardest part…But don’t worry, you are in luck! I have made the following list already! You can buy all of these gifts at Target or Wal-Mart. Here are the items you will need:

• Christmas placemats
• Liter of Sprite
• Red and Green M&Ms
• Christmas ornament
• A sweet treat
• A Christmas story tied up in a bow
•  Bag of carmel popcorn
• Sack of fruit
• Red or green candle
• A Homemade treat
• Candy Canes
• Single flower or potted flower

3. Print off the following tags. Each day has a different tag with a small poem. Wrap each gift with the specific assigned tag.

4. Deliver. Every night starting on December 13^th, drive to the family’s home, drop off the gift, ring the doorbell and RUN!

5. Final Night – December 24th. On the last night, print off this poem and attach to the final gift.

Helpful Hint: Through experience we have learned to go at different times each night so if the family has little kids that want to “catch” you, they won’t be able to because you will not be there at specific time in the evening every night. Mix it up so you can stay anonymous all 12 days!

I hope you and your family have fun spreading the Christmas Spirit and showing so much love this year! I am positive as you serve others, you will have experiences you will NEVER forget!

Danielle is the owner of Today's the Best Day. She strives to provide creative and uplifting content in order to enrich the parenting experience for women everywhere. Danielle hopes to help you and your family to make every day the best day!

December 13, 2013 by Danielle Davis | 4 Comments