I think this is my favorite Christmas Tradition that we’ve started in our own family. Each December I celebrate the Twelve Days of Christmas by giving Jeremy a gift on each day leading up to Christmas. (Now, the Twelve Days of Christmas actually starts with the 25th and is a countdown to Epiphany, but we like to start on the 14th and work toward the day as a countdown to Christmas.)
I usually start planning a few months in advance because this tradition requires lots of creativity! You see, each gift is supposed to correspond to the day it’s given – such as, three candy canes on the 3rd day. I try to keep the gifts simple, or it would get expensive, but I have fun finding just the right thing for each day. At least several days the gifts are seasonal baked goodies, but I also like to find some good stocking-stuffer type things, and every year he gets some kind of homemade coupon to redeem (like for a back massage or a favorite dessert). Past gift ideas have included:
-2 work gloves
-4 e-cards
-6 flowers blooming – for all the flowers he gave me in the past year
-7 chocolate covered pretzel rods
-8 thumbtacks – with a cork board for his office
-My favorite this year was the movie I found that had the number 4 in the title, which he received on the 4th day.
Of course, he absolutely loves it – a gift every day for 12 days – who wouldn’t? He says one of the most fun parts about it is that half the time he forgets he has a gift coming, and it’s fun to be surprised over and over. Sometimes I give him his gift before he leaves for work (I may sneak out and put it on the seat of his truck), other times he just gets a clue on his breakfast plate, and he gets to wonder all day. 🙂 It’s a great way to let him know how much he means to me, and it really spreads the fun of Christmas to more than one day!
I think it would be great fun to do this for your kids, or anyone in your life that you want to especially bless at Christmas – a sister, friend, or parent.
Ten Things I Love About You
1. Selfless
From the first day of our marriage I have been amazed at how selfless you are. You are extremely thoughtful and constantly put my needs or wants before your own.
2. Athletic
I love the adventures we have together pursuing some of your favorite activities – it’s been so much fun to have you teach me how to down-hill ski, and I was fascinated at my first opportunity to watch you white-water kayaking this summer.
3. Content
I rarely, if ever, hear you complain. You take things as they come, change the wrong if you can, but otherwise you accept things with peace, and don’t let life’s twists and turns rob your joy.
4. Musical
I’m so glad one of us is talented in this way! I love that you are able to bring music into our home, and lead us into worship at Church as well. Thank you for your commitment each week to prepare worship for our fellowship, and for the love of music you will help to foster in our children.
5. Skilled
I tell you, my man can fix anything! This was a ‘feature’ in guys that I really hoped to get :), ’cause my dad was this way, too. Somehow he knew just enough about just about everything to get it running again. On a given day Jeremy has donned the hat of a plumber, maintanence man, computer technician, auto mechanic, and even psychologist! 🙂 He is a great problem solver, and never gives up (we’ll get the stove running one of these days, won’t we, honey?:))
6. Sensitive
You read me like a book, honey, and I’m so glad that you understand and love me just the way I am – even when my mood may change by the minute!
7. Spontaneous
I’ve always loved surprises, and with Jeremy there’s never a lack of them! Some of the most fun we’ve had has come at a moment’s notice, thanks to his ability to ‘seize the day’.
8. Faithful
Faithful to me, faithful to your commitments, faithful to God.
9. Creative
I love that we both have an artistic side, and I love it when you lend your creative mind to one of my projects!
10. Great Dad
You are a wonderful father to our 2 year old son and infant daughter – the way you interact with them combines just the right blend of tenderness and authority, love and discipline. I’m glad they have you for an example of a Godly man.
Merry Christmas to my True Love!!!
Now, in case reading this list has given you the impression that my man is nearly perfect, I just tell you this –
He is.
😉
What a great idea! very touching
Trina, I think I recognize those Christmas outfits the Boy and Claire are wearing. . . 😉Amy
Trina, that was so beautiful. God bless you, and Merry Christmas!
aww…your last line was sweet.God always does a perfect job of matching people up! 🙂
How do you know I would be reading it 😉 I love you too.