Our first year of marriage, I asked Max what he wanted for christmas and he said he wanted lots of little gifts because opening presents was fun. At the time, both of us was working and budget wasn’t a problem so an idea was born. Starting that year, the 12 days leading up to Christmas, I planned a special gift or activity for him each day leading to Christmas day. Over the years, this tradition has morphed and changed into what it is today but each year, I look forward to planning our 12 days of celebration!
In 2015, we changed our plans from being the 12 days leading up to Christmas to 12 days sprinkled throughout the month. It has stayed that way since and we love it so much. Instead of doing 24 days of activities or things, we do 12 and these activities start after thanksgiving and at times continue past Christmas day. It makes for a month of fun and extends the Christmas joy and spirit throughout the month.
How I plan for 12 Days of Christmas
Prior to the start, I ask the kids and Max what things they’d like to do for our 12 days. It’s usually a smattering of movies and favorite family traditions but I ask to make sure I don’t leave anyones “favorite thing” out. We have a very tradition heavy home and our oldest doesn’t appreciate when traditions are changed 🤪
Then I look around at the activities being held throughout our area and pick which things we might want to try that year. After the list of 12 things have been made, I put date specific things onto the calendar and then pencil in the others knowing that life happens and things may need to be moved.
Here’s out list for 2021 in our new area, with all new events and activities to be experienced:
- Christmas Kick off day! Snowman pancakes, hot chocolate, Christmas music, a special dinner and our first night of advent. You can read about our advent tradition here.
- Advent Calendars Dec 1
- Dollywood Christmas: We have a sweet couple from church who has passes to Dollywood and they have gifted us their guest passes so we get to spend the time with them and exploring Dollywood for the first time. I hear they go all out for every holiday.
- Shadracks Christmas Lights: this is another activity the is area specific but everyone recommends it so we are looking forward to it. A family from our homeschool Co-op goes every year and we will be joining them for the evening of fun.
- Christmas Movie- Grinch
- Living History Night: There are two living history/nativity activities in our area that we hope to try out in one day since we will already be in down the mountain from our RV sight. We will see if we get to both but we will try.
- The Island: this is a shopping area near us and they have a “singing fountain” we want to check out.
- Christmas Movie- Polar Express
- Christmas lights and frozen yogurt or dairy queen (It’s a cold tradition but one started in San Diego and is a must do from the kids 😊
- Christmas Movie- Elf
- Cookie Decorating
- Little House Christmas: This year, we will be having a Little House Christmas celebration like the Ingalls would have in all of their books.
This tradition doesn’t have to be big or complicated and we’ve had years when everything was home based. You can check out some of our years under the Traditions tab above. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas season!
