12 Days of Christmas

Last year, someone told me about a tradition she does with her family. It is called "The 12 Days of Christmas." 12 days before Christmas, she begins to leave a notes for her children, one for each day. The note tells the children of a special activity they will do as a family that day. These activities range from drinking hot chocolate together, to Christmas Caroling at a nursing home. The sky is the limit, really. It's just a way to insure meaningful family-time during the holidays rather than letting the hustle and bustle get in the way.

Well since Landry is not quite old enough to read or understand about traditions, I started this tradition with Cory. I also started it early, so we would have our 12 days of Christmas before we left to go out of town. We are on our 4th day, and it has been wonderful! I have to admit, it has been very challenging with Cory's busy schedule, but we have made it happen. I have labeled an envelope "12 Days of Christmas," and each day I put a new message inside. He awakes to find it on the table each morning, and sometime during that day we do the special activity. Here are the messages he has received so far:

Sunday - On the 1st day of Christmas, our celebrations begin. Let’s cuddle up and watch a Christmas movie together.

Monday – On the 2nd day of Christmas, let’s enjoy an evening together. We’ll bring Landry to see Santa at the Mall.

Tuesday – On the 3rd day of Christmas, let’s enjoy the sights. Let’s drive around town and look at Christmas lights. Afterwards, we can go on our ice cream date or Starbucks, your choice.

Wednesday – On the 4th day of Christmas, we are busy, busy, busy. But at least we can share a dinner together. What are you craving? It's your choice tonight.

I won't give away the surprise for the other days yet, but I'll be sure to blog about them later.